Deputy President Paul Mashatile was questioned by MPs on illegal immigration, employer compliance, vigilantism and xenophobia concerns during NCOP oral replies, as he defended government’s migration strategy and rejected claims of inaction.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has signalled that government will consider tougher action against companies employing undocumented foreign nationals, including the possibility of “naming and shaming”.
He made the remarks while facing intense questioning from MPs on illegal immigration enforcement, employer compliance, and government’s response to vigilantism during oral replies in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday.
Mashatile said while enforcement against illegal immigration was being intensified, government would not rule out stronger deterrents against offending employers, arguing that compliance needed to be enforced more aggressively.
Responding to a question from ANC MP Edwin Noe, who asked whether government would publicly expose companies hiring undocumented migrants, Mashatile confirmed that enforcement efforts would be stepped up through increased workplace inspections.
