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Institutionalised Xenophobia: African Migrants’ Experiences and Perceptions of Service Delivery at a Selected South African Department of Home Affairs

Author

Listed:
  • Akachukwu Darlington Umeh
  • Sogo Angel Olofinbiyi
  • Nirmala Gopal

Abstract

This study delved into a conceptual analysis of African migrants’ experiences and perceptions of service delivery at a purposely selected Department of Home Affairs and Immigration Services in South Africa. A mixed-methods design comprising a cross-sectional survey and focus group discussions was conducted with black African migrants awaiting service delivery at the Durban Department of Home Affairs. The findings were discussed within the context of the relative deprivation theory. The study unfolds South Africans’ negative perceptions of African immigrants as vectors of insecurity, criminality and economic hardship for the citizenry, as well as a systemic anathema to South Africa’s state sovereignty. It holistically ascribes the phenomenon to an attendant consequence of unlawful racial discrimination emanating from institutionalised xenophobia, a recently emerged concept that this current study has referred to as Afrophobia.

Suggested Citation

  • Akachukwu Darlington Umeh & Sogo Angel Olofinbiyi & Nirmala Gopal, 2024. "Institutionalised Xenophobia: African Migrants’ Experiences and Perceptions of Service Delivery at a Selected South African Department of Home Affairs," Insight on Africa, , vol. 16(2), pages 166-191, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:inafri:v:16:y:2024:i:2:p:166-191
    DOI: 10.1177/09750878231224704
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