South Africa's immigrant population has undergone noticeable changes in recent decades, with the total number reaching approximately 2.4 million in 2022. Interestingly, while the overall immigrant population has grown, the number of immigrants who are South African citizens has steadily declined since 2001. This shift in citizenship status among immigrants reflects broader trends in migration patterns and policies in the region.
Demographic shifts and origins of immigrantsÂ
The composition of South Africa's immigrant population has evolved, with Zimbabwe emerging as the primary source country in 2022, accounting for 48.5 percent of immigrants. Mozambique and Lesotho followed, contributing 20 percent and nearly 11 percent, respectively. The median age of immigrants has also increased slightly, reaching 34 years for men and 33 years for women in 2022, up from 31 and 30 years in 2011. These demographic changes highlight the dynamic nature of migration flows in the region.
Regional context and refugee populations
South Africa's immigration trends are part of a larger pattern of population movements across Sub-Saharan Africa. The region has experienced a significant increase in refugee populations, with nearly eight million refugees recorded in 2023, a substantial rise from 2.2 million in 2010. While South Africa remains an important destination for immigrants, other countries in the region, such as Uganda, Sudan, and Ethiopia, host large numbers of refugees. Uganda, in particular, has emerged as the African country with the largest refugee population, sheltering nearly 1.5 million individuals as of 2023.Â