Dept of Labour to introduce policy limiting employment of foreign nationals

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Minister in the Department of Labour and Employment Mr Thulas Nxesi says efforts need to be made to ensure that employers do not take advantage of people who find themselves desperate for employment so much that they end up violating labour laws.

The Minister’s response was also sparked by recent protests in the country, #OperationDudula where South African citizens where going to different restaurants and other industries calling for employers to prioritize employing citizens instead of foreigners.

In his press briefing on Monday, Minister Nxesi introduced the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) and Employment Services Amendment Bill for public comment.

He said that government is set to introduce new employment quotas on foreign workers, as well as ban foreigners from starting small businesses in some sectors.

This policy [NLMP] will give guidance and limitation of documented foreign nationals with work visas that can be employed in agriculture, hospitality and tourism, as well as construction, along with other sectors.

The limitation will be set by the minister himself and it will differ per occupation, sector or region.

It would apply not only to formal employees, but also to anyone paid for any work as well as “platform workers”, such as Uber drivers.