Bright Ntuli
Government’s Economic Cluster is urging the public to verify information about the proposed Employment Services Amendment Bill, amid claims on social media about its impact on refugees and asylum seekers.
The bill seeks to legally regulate the employment of foreign nationals amid shifting economic and demographic dynamics.
Most notably, the legislation proposes imposing a R100 000 fine on employers hiring illegal foreign workers as a first offence.
Spokesperson Teboho Thejane says the bill, which is before Parliament, also seeks to strengthen labour-market regulation and compliance.
“Parliament will provide opportunities for South Africans to comment on the proposed changes. We encourage everyone to take part through the official parliamentary channels once the public hearings are announced,”
He added,”We also urge the public to check information before posting it.”
Additionally, the constitutional courts ruling on the country’s Refugee Act has also caused an intense stir it South Africa’s illegal immigration issue.
South Africa’s Constitutional Court has ruled that parts of the Refugees Act of 1998, which restricted access to the asylum application process, are unconstitutional.
Since Monday to date, Members of March and March and other citizens are blocking entry to the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Moore Road in Durban.
They say they will remain there until operations are halted as the branch is processing asylum applications following an instruction from Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber that all asylum seekers, including those who entered the country illegally, must be received.
The civil movement, which opposes illegal migration, has mobilised members to protest outside the branch.
