Internal migration among Immigrants in South Africa: An Analysis of Demographic and Socioeconomic Determinants using South African Census, 2022.

Lebohang Molapo, Statistics South Africa
Moses Choeu, Statistics South Africa

International migration is steadily rising and has become a significant global phenomenon, driven by people seeking economic opportunities, social stability, and asylum. In South Africa, the proportion of immigrants increased from 2.9% in 1996 to 3.9% in 2022. Internal migration in South Africa is mainly influenced by the pursuit of employment, with Gauteng and Western Cape being destinations. Most studies have focused on internal movement between provinces rather than that of immigrants internally. Study examined demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing internal migration among immigrants aged 15-64 years using data from South Africa's 2022 national population and housing census. The prevalence, streams, and corridors of internal migration were calculated, and binary logistic regression was conducted using Stata version 14. Results revealed that 15.6% of immigrants migrated internally in 2022, with most moving to Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. The regression analysis indicated that immigrants are more likely to migrate when living outside Gauteng. Immigrants with South African citizenship were more likely to migrate internally [OR: 1.25]. Other significant factors included marital status, population group, language, reasons for movement, and region of birth. Immigrants face challenges like discrimination, employment barriers, and health exclusions.

Keywords: International Migration, Internal Migration and Urbanization, Census data

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