SA's economy will suffer if immigrants are sent home

The IRR released a report on ""What do South Africans lose if all immigrants are sent home",  in the wake of the recent tensions between South Africans and foreign nationals. 

CEO Frans Cronje says immigrants have come to South Africa to create a better life for themselves and most of them succeed. 

"Most refugees and immigrants who come to South Africa seeking a better life, manage to do so. At 14.6% the unemployment among foreign immigrants is roughly half to a third of the local unemployment rate. They make up 11% of South Africa's working population, and make a huge contribution to the South African economy through goods and services, paying rent and buying from South African wholesalers," Cronje says. 

The report says South Africa will lose out on low prices and convenience, rental income and economic stimulation if immigrants leave the country. 

The country's self-respect will also suffer, according to the IRR. 

Cronje says their research have shown that immigrants do not steal jobs or cause crime. 

"South Africa's migrants are regularly singled out for abuse and indentified as a problem. Our findings are very different, their experience is an example South Africans can learn a great deal from, if we are to become a country that is able to empower large numbers of disadvantaged people," he says. 

SA's economy will suffer if immigrants are sent home by GaoOliviaPhalaetsile on Scribd