There is Nothing Xenophobic About Denying Services to Illegal Migrants

Abstract

South Africa, a key economic hub in sub-Saharan Africa, faces a significant influx of undocumented migrants seeking socio-economic stability, prompting debates on their access to public services such as healthcare, education, and welfare. This paper examines whether denying services to undocumented migrants reflects legitimate governance or veiled xenophobia, navigating the tension between the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2002, which prioritises citizens, and constitutional human rights commitments. Utilising a narrative literature review and theoretical frameworks—Human Rights Perspective, Anti-Oppressive Practice, Ecological Systems Theory, and Strengths-Based Perspective—the study explores systemic exclusions and ethical challenges for social workers. Findings suggest that, while framed as pragmatic, service denial exacerbates inequality and fuels xenophobic attitudes, necessitating inclusive, rights-based policy reforms to align with constitutional and ethical mandates.