The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in collaboration with the African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS) will host a workshop on Wednesday, 9 May 2018 at SAIIA’s head office, during which panellists will explore how international developments related to migration are affecting the African continent and the Southern African region. Inputs will focus on the United Nations-led process of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and its attempts to create an international framework for improved and enhanced migration management. Discussions will centre on both the feasibility of such an initiative and the African response to these issues.

The second half of the workshop will explore regional and domestic perspectives on migration. Panelists will discuss the similarities and differences between Africa’s regional economic blocs towards migration management, specifically the approaches of the Southern African Development Community and the East African Community. Thereafter, presenters will explore specific in-country case studies of migration management at a domestic level, while also engaging with the intersectionality between migration management and health policies.

This workshop aims to bring together academics, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing migration management at a domestic and international level. It will include presentations from Asmita Parshotam, representing SAIIA, and Professor Jo Vearey and DrJean-Pierre Misago, representing the ACMS, together with other African experts.