Globally and in South Africa, IOM migration health programming seeks to promote the inclusion of migrants in laws, policies, and programmes at the global, regional, and national levels. Addressing incoherencies in health and non-health policies could reduce the exclusion of vulnerable migrants in services and programmes.
This report highlights findings and recommendations of the policy analysis research that was commissioned by IOM to investigate the degree of coherence among various health and non-health policies and their potential impacts on sexual and reproductive health outcomes among migrants, including vulnerable young people and sex workers – groups that often receive little attention in policy discourse. The research applied a mixed-methods approach involving a desk review of policies and legislations, and in-depth interviews with national government stakeholders, as well as representatives of United Nations agencies, civil society and stakeholders in the health and non-health sectors. The review did not, however, assess policy implementation in South Africa.
The findings of the study indicated that the national policy on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in South Africa is inclusive and non‑discriminatory against migrants, including those in irregular situations. The SRHR policy is also well-aligned with international and regional standards. South Africa has also developed specific health and non-health legal and policy documents that address SRHR issues of migrants, sex worker, and young and vulnerable people (YVP), including those living in migration-impacted communities. However, as most of the legal and policy instruments reviewed use general language that applies to all people living in the country, this can affect access to health services at the operational level. The assessment found that there was a need to advocate for and strengthen access to SRHR services by migrants, sex workers, and young and vulnerable people in migration-impacted communities. This can be done by aligning existing legal and policy incoherences, translating policy into practice, and creating awareness of migrants’ right to health care.