By Gigi Kotze
12/12/2024
A Global Picture of Migration
On Wednesday, 18 December, it is International Migrants Day—a day to recognise the strength, contributions, and rights of migrants worldwide. This day was established by the United Nations in 2000 and marks the anniversary of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, adopted on 18 December 1990. The day highlights both the challenges and successes linked to migration, focusing on issues such as migrant safety and the economic and social benefits they bring. It is also a call for countries to create fairer policies that protect migrants from abuse, discrimination, and xenophobia, helping to make migration safer and handled with dignity worldwide. Migrants and displaced people are among the most vulnerable groups in society.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Migration Agency, most people still live in the countries where they were born—only about one in 30 people is a migrant. In 2020, there were an estimated 281 million international migrants worldwide, making up 3.6% of the global population. The number of international migrants has grown over the last 50 years. In 2020, 51.9% of migrants were male, while 48.1% were female, with 146 million male migrants and 135 million female migrants. Since 2000, the proportion of female migrants has been decreasing, while the number of male migrants has risen by 1.3%.
While migration is often linked to national security, the real concerns revolve around human security, which is threatened throughout the entire migration process—from departure, through transit, to entry, stay, and return stages. Factors such as conflict, poverty, and climate change push people to migrate, while high insecurity at the place of origin can make other parts of the migration cycle even more dangerous. Migrants face risks of abuse or death at various stages, including unsafe travel, hostile border policies, xenophobic attitudes, and forced returns.
What is the difference between a migrant and an asylum seeker?
The terms migrant and asylum seeker both refer to people moving across borders, but they have different meanings depending on the reasons for migration and the legal rights involved.
A migrant is anyone who moves from one country to another, usually for reasons such as work, education, family, or a better lifestyle. This movement is typically voluntary, and migrants do not usually face immediate threats to their safety. They must follow immigration rules and regulations, such as obtaining visas or work permits.
An asylum seeker, on the other hand, is someone who has fled their home country due to fear of persecution, violence, or conflict and is seeking protection in another country. They apply for refugee status and, if granted, gain certain legal protections under international law.
Many refugees and asylum seekers come from countries experiencing ongoing conflicts. At the end of 2022, most refugees under the UNHCR’s mandate came from countries such as Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and South Sudan. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 resulted in one of the largest displacement crises since World War II. Humanitarian crises caused by displacement are increasing, with forced displacement at its highest levels on record.
Migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers share the experience of crossing borders, but the reasons for their movement and their legal statuses can vary significantly.
Migrants in South Africa and a Kingdom Response
Many people view migration negatively, believing that foreign workers take jobs from South Africans. However, migration in South Africa is complex and diverse. Approximately 4 million international migrants live in the country, many from neighbouring Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations, drawn by South Africa’s stronger economy and job opportunities. Migrants come for various reasons—some for work or study, while others seek safety from conflict.
South Africa’s migration policy balances rights and restrictions. For instance, under the Refugees Act, asylum seekers are allowed to work and move freely, although recent changes have limited some of these rights. This makes South Africa both a place of economic opportunity and a refuge for those fleeing danger.
In preparing this article, I spoke with Pastor Mike from Bellville Baptist Church, a congregation with a significant number of migrant attendees. He explained that their ministry to migrants began before his time, particularly among French-speaking migrants from Africa. As their numbers grew, the church started holding services in both English and French, although it remains one united church. People from the DRC, Burundi, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, and other nations attend, and this diversity is also reflected in the church leadership. Pastor Mike shared a meaningful scripture from Zechariah 7:9–10 (NIV): “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’” He emphasised that migrants represent an important mission field and an opportunity for local churches. The Baptist Union’s missions department is also focusing on this area, and many inner-city churches are moving in this direction. However, Pastor Mike highlighted the difficulties migrants face with Home Affairs, including long delays and poor treatment. A few years ago, Home Affairs also announced that it would no longer grant permanent residence to foreigners in religious work, creating additional challenges.
Pastor Prosper, who works alongside Pastor Mike, shared that migration is not a new concept; it is evident throughout the Bible. Abraham was instructed by God to leave his home and go to a land that God would show him. Joseph ended up in Egypt due to unfortunate circumstances. Naomi was a migrant before returning to Israel, and upon her return, Ruth, her daughter-in-law, became an immigrant and was included in the genealogy of Jesus. Even Jesus was a migrant when His family fled to Egypt. Pastor Prosper further explained that as Christians, we often give money to support mission work in distant places, yet when God brings the mission field to our doorstep through migration, we can feel annoyed or upset. He encouraged us to view immigration as an opportunity for the Gospel to spread. He also highlighted three major challenges migrants face: language barriers, securing employment, and difficulties with legal documentation.
As Christians, we are called to care for others with compassion and understanding, especially those who are vulnerable, such as migrants. In Stephan Joubert’s words, “You cannot become more spiritual without your hands getting dirtier with the pain and burdens of others,” we are reminded that true spirituality involves active love and service, which may require sacrifice. Migrants often face hardship, isolation, and insecurity, and it is by sharing in their burdens that we fulfil Christ’s command to love our neighbour as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). Rather than seeing migration as a threat, Christians can view it as an opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s love by welcoming, supporting, and advocating for those seeking a better life or safety. In doing so, we embody the message of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), who showed mercy without hesitation, despite personal cost.
The parable of the Good Samaritan provides a powerful example for Christians in showing compassion to migrants. In the story, Jesus describes a man who is beaten, robbed, and left by the roadside to die. While religious leaders pass him by, a Samaritan—someone from a group often discriminated against and regarded as an outsider—stops and takes the time to help. The Samaritan tends to the injured man’s wounds, takes him to a safe place, and ensures he receives ongoing care, demonstrating love and kindness without regard for social or ethnic boundaries.
This parable encourages Christians to look beyond labels, showing mercy to those in need regardless of the country they come from. Like the beaten traveller, migrants often experience vulnerability and hardship after leaving behind everything they know, hoping to build a better life for their families. They may have left their countries due to conflict, persecution, or poverty, only to face new struggles in an unfamiliar land. As the Samaritan extended mercy, so too should Christians extend compassion, offering practical help and support to migrants. Many migrants in South Africa come from countries such as Somalia, Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh—places where the Gospel may be harder to access. Here in South Africa, we, as Christians, have a unique opportunity to connect with these migrants, for example, by visiting the Pakistani shop down the road, building friendships, and showing them the love and light of Christ. This setting allows us to share our faith through everyday interactions and welcome others with open hearts, creating a bridge where God’s love can be shared naturally.
The Good Samaritan didn’t ask about the injured man’s background or hesitate about the “cost” of getting involved. Similarly, Christians are called to act selflessly, without worrying about the social or political implications. By stepping into the pain and burdens of migrants, Christians reflect God’s love, showing that care for others transcends national, cultural, and economic divides—focusing instead on that which is eternal. This parable illustrates that true love is not just about what we feel but about what we do. James 1:22 (NLT) says, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
As we approach the Christmas season, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on and act upon how we can show love and kindness to those around us, especially migrants who may feel far from home. Are there any migrants in your neighbourhood or local area with whom you could build a friendship this season? Consider how a small act of welcome, a simple conversation, or an invitation to a meal could be a way to share the love of Jesus with someone you may not always associate with or connect with.
Please join us in prayer:
- Pray for migrants worldwide who face challenges such as xenophobia, abuse, and unsafe travel. Ask God to protect them and provide safe, welcoming communities wherever they settle.
- Pray for local churches to see migrants as a mission field at their doorsteps, and for hearts to show Christ-like love, compassion, and hospitality to those seeking refuge and a new start.
- Pray that migrants may swiftly learn the language of their new country and that their documentation processes may run smoothly and efficiently.
- Pray that God softens the hearts of migrants toward the Gospel, that many would accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Pray also for those who may return to their home countries, that they would carry the light and love of Christ with them, spreading His message to places where the Gospel may be scarcely known.
References:
https://worldmigrationreport.iom.int/msite/wmr-2024-interactive/
https://nsi.org.za/publications/south-africa-migration-study-nsi-report/
https://migrants-refugees.va/country-profile/south-africa/
https://www.un.org/en/observances/migrants-day
https://worldmigrationreport.iom.int/world-migration-report-2024-key-findings
