Recent protests against undocumented immigration in parts of South Africa have once again thrust immigration to the forefront of public debate. Concerns over jobs, crime, pressure on public services and the cost of undocumented migration have fuelled calls for tougher border controls and stricter enforcement of immigration laws. At the same time, businesses in sectors such as agriculture, construction, hospitality and domestic services continue to rely heavily on migrant labour. These competing realities have intensified the national conversation, often producing more emotion than evidence.
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