Image Source: The Daily Maverick
Local – The South African government vows to intensify inspections of companies employing undocumented foreign nationals, as part of a broader effort to protect labour standards, promote fair competition and create opportunities for South Africans.
According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, employers who knowingly hire undocumented immigrants are breaking the law. He stated that some businesses exploit workers whose legal status means they cannot stand up for their rights, paying wages well below the minimum wage and imposing longer working hours without due compensation.
“We have uncovered a number of workplaces where undocumented migrants are made to labour under very bad conditions. Employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers and exploit their vulnerability are breaking the law.” President Ramaphosa said, addressing the nation on Sunday.
In response, Ramaphosa warned that such conduct would face stronger penalties and stricter enforcement going forward, as authorities can no longer allow employers found guilty of breaking the law to “simply pay a fine” and continue exploiting undocumented workers.
As part of the government’s Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, the inspections will be carried out by the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Employment and Labour.
The Department of Employment and Labour has also launched the phased recruitment of 10,000 inspectors during the current financial year to strengthen labour law enforcement. The government also plans to increase penalties, including imprisonment, for employers who violate the Immigration Act.
Moreover, the government has finalised the National Labour Migration Policy, which sets maximum limits on the employment of documented foreign nationals and includes measures to address employers who hire undocumented workers.
The Employment Services Amendment Bill, approved by Cabinet for introduction to Parliament, will empower the Employment and Labour Minister to set quotas for the employment of foreign nationals across specific economic sectors and occupational categories.
Ramaphosa said these measures form part of the government’s efforts to ensure that businesses compete fairly, labour laws are respected, and more opportunities are created for South Africans.
