International Migration and Xenophobia : Implications for Africa's Integration

The international migration and xenophobia have dominated debate in view of continuous attacks against foreigners in South Africa and other countries in Africa. The African Union has not come out with a policy that will promote Inter-Continental Free Trade in terms of free movement of persons and residence. The paper argues that xenophobic actions against fellow Africans are antithetical to regional integration. Based on the review of extant literature and available empirical data xenophobia was not only experienced in South Africa but caused by hatred and fear of loss of employment opportunities and economics domination by foreigners. Globalisation and neo-classical economic offer explanations of international migration. It concludes that the desire for a livelihood propels people to move to places that offer better opportunities. The African Union should reposition itself to address the issue of xenophobia and regional integration. In this regard, policies on free movement and right of residence of Africans any part of Africa should be pursued.