Every Day, 74 South Africans Leave the Country, But Why Are Refugees Causing a Stir?

Every single day, around 74 South Africans pack their bags and leave the country for good. That’s the picture painted by the latest United Nations migration data, which shows that 108,000 South Africans emigrated between 2020 and 2024.

This isn’t new. In fact, over 1 million South Africans are now living abroad, according to the UN’s updated “International Migrant Stock” figures for mid-2024. But a recent development has brought renewed attention to the issue: the granting of refugee status to 49 white South Africans by the United States.

Controversy Around the 49 White Refugees

The 49 individuals’ asylum claims have sparked fierce debate in South Africa. Some critics call them “traitors” or “cowards”, accusing them of helping feed political narratives pushed by the Trump administration, which has often painted South Africa in a negative light.

Others defend the move, saying it’s justified based on existing race-based policies, particularly those seen to disadvantage white South Africans in employment and business opportunities under the country’s transformation agenda.

What’s clear is that while these 49 individuals made headlines, they are part of a much broader pattern of out-migration—particularly among South Africa’s white population.

The Bigger Picture: Migration Trends Since 1990

UN figures show that back in 1990, just under 295,400 South Africans were living abroad. Fast forward to 2024, and that number now exceeds 1 million. That means over 710,000 people have left over the past three decades.

Emigration tends to fluctuate with political and economic shifts, but the recent 74-a-day figure is the highest average since the late 1990s.

White South Africans Are Still Leaving in Large Numbers

The emigration of white South Africans is nothing new. According to Stats SA, net out-migration among whites has been consistent since at least 2001. Projections suggest that by 2026, nearly 700,000 white South Africans will have emigrated since 1985.

This demographic shift contributes to the country’s changing population profile, with younger professionals and skilled workers among the most likely to leave.

Refugee Status: A Growing but Complex Phenomenon

Stats SA’s 2024 Migration Profile Report reveals another layer to the story: thousands of South Africans are applying for asylum abroad.

• Over 4,200 South Africans have left as refugees since 2014.

• The US is the top destination, receiving 1,370 South African asylum seekers in 2021, and 1,351 in 2022.

• Other countries receiving South African asylum seekers in 2021 include:

  • Ireland: 638

  • Australia: 495

  • Canada: 187

  • Israel: 391

While not all asylum claims are successful, the rise in numbers points to growing individual distress and dissatisfaction, particularly among those who feel politically or economically marginalized.

What’s Driving People Away?

The reasons for emigration and asylum are multifaceted:

• Political uncertainty

• Economic stagnation and high unemployment

• Crime and safety concerns

• Perceived discrimination or lack of opportunity

Stats SA notes that seeking asylum is often a deeply personal decision, driven by “a complex interplay of political, economic, social, and environmental factors.”

Not Just a Political Flashpoint—A Long-Term Trend

While the 49 white refugees may have ignited public debate, the bigger story lies in the broader migration trends. South Africa is shedding skilled citizens and young professionals, often without a clear strategy for retaining talent or addressing the root causes of emigration.

Whether it’s through structured emigration, tax residency changes, or refugee claims, the message remains consistent: South Africans are leaving—and in growing numbers.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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