Supporters of LACO and other anti-undocumented migrant groups protest, accusing undocumented foreign nationals of occupying jobs that they say should be reserved for South Africans, particularly in sectors that do not require scarce skills.
Labour organisations have accused some employers of exploiting the current anti-illegal migrant climate to dismiss migrant workers, raising questions about whether businesses are complying with labour laws when terminating employment.
The Simunye Workers Forum (SWF) says it has documented several cases across Gauteng in recent weeks in which migrant workers have allegedly been dismissed, retrenched, or prevented from returning to work following the protests.
"It has become clear to us over the past few weeks that employers are seizing upon the current mobilisations to carry out unfair dismissals and unlawful pseudo-retrenchments," the organisation said.
Among the cases highlighted is that of approximately 90 Malawian workers employed at Harvest Fresh Farms in Meyerton.
