Diego Iturralde, Chief Director, Demography & Population Statistics, Statistics South Africa, gave an insightful presentation on migration trends recorded by his institution. He emphasized that data informs policy and pointed out some areas that require attention to ensure policies are better aligned with reality and development needs. Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of Labour, Employment and Migration Division, African Union Commission, shared experience from his organisation's perspective, with a focus on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Sergio Carciotto, a Senior Research Consultant from the ISS, introduced key insights from his report recently published with HSF support, "On the move: mobility and governance in Southern Africa". It states that migration in the region is "largely driven by employment opportunities" and "characterised by high level mobility in the form of short-term border crossings, circular movements and permanent stays.". The report highlights recommendations to governments, SADC and the AU for specific policies and realistic practice that would contribute to safer, regulated migration which is aligned with development needs, human rights principles and the political situation in the different countries.
Find the report which was launched at the seminar here - it starts with a one-page executive summary:
Watch a recording of the seminar here:
https://issafrica.org/events/can-southern-africa-get-labour-migration-right