Pretoria - The Department of Home Affairs has roped in the youth to deliberate on South Africa’s international migration policy.
Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba and the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Buti Manamela on Friday hosted a Youth and Migration Dialogue, aimed at gaining different perspectives to inform South Africa's migration policy.
The dialogue, attended by representatives from various youth formations, also aimed at conecientising and influencing youth on the benefits of migration and their role in fostering social cohesion.
Government has been engaging stakeholders from different sectors on the total review of the outdated 1999 White Paper on International Migration.
Speaking at the opening of the dialogue, Minister Gigaba said through the policy review, government is trying to strike a balance between the imperatives of the country’s national development and security, as well as its international obligations in the management of international migration.
“We must balance between and within these concerns; address one without compromising the others.”
As government tries to address security risks, Minister Gigaba said the country must not unduly compromise economic development and international obligations, and vice versa.
“We must balance these perspectives and find the middle ground which allows us to access the global skills pool, while ensuring we do not overlook development of South African human capital,” the Minister said, calling for stakeholders to consider the bigger picture.
On the issue of international migration, the Minister said South Africa is not alone in grappling with the issue, quoting data that shows there are as many as 250 million international migrants in the world today.
“These are real people, with real potential positively to contribute to their destination societies and countries of origin, with real challenges and vulnerabilities, living and working side-by-side with citizens in every country in the world.”
In South Africa, he said the government is trying to address the issue by moving South Africans from the mentality that immigrants working in the country are taking opportunities, to one which recognises that immigrants help grow the economy and create jobs through their contributions as purchasers of South African goods, entrepreneurs, employers, employees and taxpayers.
As such, he said, government has developed a new Green Paper on International Migration, to better equip South Africa to manage the opportunities and challenges presented by migration.
“Through this process, we are determined to develop forward-looking solutions, based on a management approach rather than one which views migration primarily as a threat to be limited or controlled.
“This policy will be based on facts and international best practice, not anecdotes and emotions.”
For his part, Deputy Minister Manamela said young people must drive social cohesion to build communities that are healthy and thriving.
This should include a sustained dialogue and partnership action with immigrants within communities to ensure that they are well integrated and feel a sense of belonging.
“In doing this, young people can learn a lot about other African communities and cultures on our continent,” said Deputy Minister Manamela, who said South African youth have often been criticised about their lack of knowledge of the continent, its people and culture.
“As we drive our intentional efforts of social cohesion, we have to reach out to and connect with migrant communities, particularly migrant youth living in South Africa. This connecting process provides much opportunity for intercultural learning and enhancing our understanding of our continent and its peoples.”
Through social cohesion efforts, he said, the country can build bridges and establish bonds of African humanity in communities. - SAnews.gov.za
