Deputy Employment and Labour Minister Jomo Sibiya has defended the government's immigration reform plans, saying tougher penalties, including fines of up to R100,000 per undocumented worker, are needed to curb the employment of illegal migrants in South Africa.
Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya said the department planned to fine employers up to R100,000 for each undocumented worker hired, aiming to combat illegal migration in South Africa
The department also plans to recruit 10,000 labour inspectors to strengthen enforcement of South Africa's labour and immigration laws.
The measures follow President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement on Sunday that the government would increase penalties, including imprisonment, for employers who violate the Immigration Act by employing undocumented foreign nationals.
Ramaphosa addressed the nation amid growing tensions over illegal immigration, recent protests targeting foreign nationals and calls for a nationwide shutdown on June 30 demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.
