International Migrants Day

International Migrants Day History

International Migrants Day aims to recognise the efforts, contributions, and rights of migrants worldwide. Established by the United Nations (UN), the day promotes the protection of migrants, often the most marginalised and vulnerable members of society. The aim is to ensure that migrants benefit from existing international legal protections, promote integration, and enhance their welfare conditions.

International Migrants Day originates from the UN's decision in 1990 when the General Assembly adopted a resolution on the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. For South Africa, a country with a long migration history, the day holds specific relevance. The country has a significant asylum seeker and refugee population, with large inflows of economic migrants from other African countries. Despite having progressive policies on migration and asylum on paper, these populations often face human rights abuses and exclusion from critical social services in reality. International Migrants Day provides an opportunity to address these issues, raise awareness, and advocate for change.

In South Africa, International Migrants Day is observed through various activities that promote awareness and celebrate the contributions made by migrants. Civil society organizations, rights-based groups, community centres, and educational institutions organize campaigns, cultural events, discussions, and forums. These platforms allow for dialogues around integration, human rights protection, and the celebration of diversity. International Migrants Day is observed annually on December 18th, providing an opportunity for reflection, understanding, and action on migration issues within the South African context.

Facts about International Migrants Day

• The theme for International Migrants Day in 2025 was Migrants, Missionaries of Hope . In 2024 the theme was Honoring the Contributions of Migrants and Respecting their Rights. In 2023 the theme was Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay.
• There are 65 million and counting refugees around the world. Most refugee are Syrian followed by Afghans, with 4.2 million and 2.6 million refugees, respectively.
• During the apartheid era (1948-1994), South Africa experienced massive internal migration due to policies enforced by the government. These policies forced the black majority population to live in designated homelands, and migration towards urban areas was strictly regulated through a pass system. After the fall of apartheid, many South Africans migrated back to cities and urban areas.
• South Africa experiences both brain drain – the emigration of highly skilled workers to other countries – and brain gain from an influx of skilled migrants. Skilled migrants contribute to various sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and academia.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for International Migrants Day

Top things to do in South Africa for International Migrants Day

• Since International Migrants Day is also a celebration of multiculturalism, try some food or drink from a different country. Have you tried a Cumberland sausage (UK), baklava (central Asian) or sake (Japan)? Enjoy a night out to a restaurant to enjoy different types of foods.
• The stories and events of migration are literally world-changing. There are countless films that each tell a different story of migration through time. Some of our recommendations: The Immigrant (1917), Children of Men (2006) or The Kite Runner (2007).
• Visit art galleries and museums that showcase the stories of migration and diverse cultures, such as the African Art Centre in Durban or the South African National Gallery in Cape Town.
• Volunteer or support local migrant organizations and initiatives, such as The Scalabrini Centre in Cape Town, which provides training and support services for migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers, and Lawyers for Human Rights, which focuses on securing the rights of migrants and refugees in South Africa.