Employment of Undocumented Foreigners Ban by Law
Image source: South African Coat of Arms (via VividScreen Info)
Published by: Dimphotsentle Pule
With unemployment hitting record highs and South Africa grappling with loads of economic woes, the Department of Employment and Labour are cracking down on the hiring of illegal foreign folks living in South Africa.
Despite the clear stipulations outlined in the Immigration Act and the Employment Services Act, which prohibits the employment of foreign national’s ineligible for work in South Africa, companies continue to hire candidates without conducting the required checks to ensure compliance with the regulations outlined in both amended acts.
The Department of Employment and Labour released an official statement which prohibits the employment of undocumented foreign nationals. There are approximately 3.95 million foreign-born persons in South Africa.
“Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services unit has noted with concern the number of undocumented foreign nationals employed in the Wholesale and Retail sector. This was revealed during a three-day joint blitz inspection conducted in Rustenburg, North West Province.” stated the Department of Employment and Labour.
Chris Sithole, the Provincial Chief Inspector for North West, emphasizes that if employers are discovered to have violated this Act, they will face fines, while the employees will be apprehended and deported to their country of origin.
Sithole also mentioned that follow-up procedures will be conducted to ensure ongoing compliance. Those who continue to disregard the regulations will face appropriate legal consequences, including potential prosecution where warranted.
About The Author
