Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has sent out a stern warning to employers who continue to knowingly employ undocumented foreigners – however, woes within the department itself have not helped the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On February 19, Motsoaledi doubled down on his tough stance on immigration at a stakeholder meeting in Gqeberha, and physically pulled out the Immigration Act, emphasising that hiring undocumented foreign workers is illegal and punishable by law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister further warned that there will be increased action taken against those who do not comply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Motsoaledi highlighted that the first conviction may result in a fine or imprisonment of up to one year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the second conviction, imprisonment of up to two years or a fine may be imposed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The third or subsequent convictions carry a penalty of imprisonment for up to five years without the option of a fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, the Motsoaledi urged municipalities to enforce by-laws to prevent undocumented foreigners from operating businesses as they are largely “not tax compliant.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Home Affairs issues<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting a grip on issues relating to documentation seems like an upward battle for Home Affairs, which has been plagued with instances and allegations relating to corruption, as well as a mounting visa backlog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is seen to have played a crucial – although not sole – role in exacerbating the current ‘documentation crisis.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n On February 19, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) was instructed by the President to “probe serious maladministration relating to the issuance of permanent residence permits; corporate visas; business visas; critical\/exceptional skills work visas; study visas; retired persons\u2019 visas; work visas; and citizenship by naturalisation.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The department has been facing a mounting visa backlog<\/a> of over 70,000 at the last reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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