This research empirically examines the macroeconomic determinants of ‘pull’
factors of international migration in South Africa. Using the neoclassical
economic model of international migration, an Ordinary Least Square (OLS)
regression was run on time-series data from the World Bank database for the
period 1990-2012. Relevant data from the South African Department of Home
Affairs’ Annual Reports were also used. GDP per capita, inflation rate, real
interest rate, employment rate and public health expenditure were found to be
the key determinants which entice migrants away from their countries and
direct them to “better off” destinations. The country’s public education system,
on the other hand, is not a significant attraction for foreign migrants. The study
concludes that the South African government urgently needs to implement not
only skilled worker-attractive immigration policies, but also appropriate fiscal
and monetary restructuring policies aimed at growing the economy and creating
employment opportunities.