South Africa’s migration debate is drawing wider regional scrutiny after an EWN report quoted political economist Dr Dale McKinley as saying claims that foreign nationals are “stealing jobs” are not supported by data and are being amplified for political purposes.

McKinley told CapeTalk that misinformation, social media campaigns and political rhetoric have helped turn migration into a blame point for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.

The debate comes as Daily Maverick reported that Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique have raised concerns with Pretoria over the treatment of their citizens.

The issue has also drawn wider attention after the report that 130 Nigerians sought voluntary repatriation following renewed anti-immigration protests in South Africa.

McKinley argued that migrant communities are often used as political scapegoats, especially before elections, while the economic role of foreign nationals is frequently ignored or distorted.

South African authorities have condemned xenophobic violence, but the diplomatic pressure shows the issue is no longer only a domestic political dispute. It now sits within a broader regional conversation about migrant safety, African solidarity and state responsibility.