Cabinet approves key aspects on the employment of foreigners

Lee explains that the National Employment Labour Migration Policy is South Africa’s first comprehensive, rights-based, and development-oriented framework for managing labour migration into and out of the country.

Lee says that the policy aims to ensure fair, orderly, and regular labour migration while protecting the rights of all workers, including both migrant workers in South Africa and South Africans working abroad. It provides clear guidelines for government departments to strengthen compliance, coordination, data collection, and policymaking, while promoting fair labour practices and social protection.

Lee adds that one of the key proposals under the Employment Services Amendment Bill is to empower the Minister of Employment and Labour to set quotas for the hiring of foreign nationals in key sectors, which may include agriculture, construction, hospitality, and tourism. The Bill also proposes enhanced collaboration between the Department of Employment and Labour and the Department of Home Affairs, giving labour inspectors enhanced enforcement powers and the authority to fine non-compliant employers.