‘Human Rights do not stop at the border' : a critical examination on the fundamental rights of regular migrants in South Africa

Abstract

In Africa, the fight against poverty has a great deal in common with the struggle for political and economic security. For many migrant workers around the continent and elsewhere, the need for socio-economic security serves as the underlining motive for migration to boundaries beyond their own, in search of ‘greener pastures’ - a life of dignity, respect and socio-economic security. The high level of infrastructure, economic and political stability remains an attractive incentive for irregular migrants to migrate to South Africa. Thousands of migrant workers make annually the journey to South Africa with the hope of finding a better life. However, their arrival in South Africa marks the beginning of an even more tenacious struggle against unimaginable odds. For many irregular migrants, the dream of a better life soon becomes a nightmare highlighted by constant struggle against xenophobia, police brutality, exploitation by unscrupulous employers, marginalisation and disregard for fundamental human rights by the state.