Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya says the department intends to introduce fines of up to R100,000 per undocumented worker for employers found to be hiring illegal migrants.
The department also plans to recruit 10,000 labour inspectors to strengthen enforcement of South Africa’s labour and immigration laws.
The proposals follow President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on Sunday that government would increase penalties, including possible imprisonment, for employers who contravene 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 the removal of undocumented migrants from the country.
The president outlined five measures aimed at addressing immigration challenges.
These include intensifying arrests, inspections, prosecutions and deportations of undocumented migrants, while increasing penalties for employers who hire them illegally.
Government also plans to strengthen border management through improved technology, infrastructure and personnel, and relocate refugee reception centres closer to border posts.
Other measures include combating corruption, introducing biometric-based digital identification systems, phasing out green barcoded ID books and tightening identity verification processes.
Ramaphosa said government would reform immigration and labour legislation, introduce quotas for foreign workers and improve the regulation of businesses and informal traders.
He added that South Africa would work with African countries and regional organisations to address the root causes of migration, including poverty, conflict and limited economic opportunities.
