Dr. Leon Schreiber, the recently appointed Minister of Home Affairs, has revealed plans to intensify inspections at establishments where undocumented foreign workers are frequently employed.
This announcement has caused concern for many Zimbabweans and other undocumented foreigners in South Africa.
Dr. Schreiber made this announcement on Monday during the National Assembly’s budget vote for the Department of Home Affairs for the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
He stressed that once undocumented workers are identified, they will be deported.
“In the coming year, Home Affairs will increase the number of inspections at restaurants, spaza shops, farms and mines by over 50% in order to take action against people illegally employed, including through deportations,” Dr Leon Schreiber told Parliament.
Also read: Zimbabwean man wins £168k lottery in UK: “I have more money than Skomota”
Following the announcement, many South Africans expressed support for the new measures and even suggested locations for the raids. However, others have cautioned that the Department of Home Affairs may need to amend existing laws to enable lawful deportations. Here are some of the comments:
@Kat4Kubs:
Start with these companies: @SteersSA @My_SPAR @DebonairsPizza @bp_SouthAfrica fuel stations
@siyasanga_nonge:
Please don’t forget to check Parklands in Blouberg, Cape Town. South Africa is messed up because of Nigerians, and because they stay in nice places and drive nice cars, no one notice that we have crime here because of their drugs, but we blame Zimbabweans who are here to work💔
@DonaldMathekga:
Non-refoulement will render sections 32 /34 of the Immigration Act (which you can use to deport immigrats) USELESS, in simple terms you will NOT be able to deport anyone unless you change the law. Helen Suzman Foundation will win against you anytine, anywhere. STOP playing .
