The exploration and evaluation of international and institutional arrangements regulating labour migration to South Africa : the case of Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Malawi and Mozambique

Abstract

This research report evaluates the South African labour relations framework that regulates labour migration from 5 selected Southern African countries. The study aims to conceptualise and evaluate the institutional arrangements in the five SADC countries that sent labour migrants to South Africa, and the associated national instruments governing labour migration to South Africa. It also aims to critically evaluate the similarities and differences of South African migration policies with those of the countries involved in this study. Information and data used in this thesis were obtained from document review as well as through interviews conducted with knowledgeable key informants during visits to select countries. South African documents were also reviewed and evaluated. This approach provided detailed information and data about institutional arrangements regulating labour migration. The study finds that South Africa had labour migration policies and programs dating as far back as 1800s. It indicated that there were some bilateral agreements between South Africa and migration source countries, and that changes to those agreements were not necessarily the prerogative of South Africa alone. The study concludes by recommending that in post- apartheid South Africa, the Southern African Migration Project and other research institutions in the migration field should be more holistic in their approach to coping with the new challenges of absorbing educated and skilled manpower.