Ramaphosa Warns Businesses Over Employing Undocumented Foreign Nationals

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned local businesses that employ undocumented foreign nationals that they will face the full wrath of the law.

Speaking during a national address on Sunday, Ramaphosa said the employment of undocumented immigrants means they cannot stand up for their rights.

“We know that illegal immigration undermines our efforts to create decent work for our people,” Ramaphosa said.

“There are businesses in our country that employ undocumented immigrants because their legal status means that they cannot stand up for their rights.

“Some employers hire undocumented immigrants because they pay them wages that are well below the minimum wage and make them work longer hours without due compensation.

“We have uncovered a number of workplaces where undocumented migrants are made to labour under very bad conditions.

“Employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers and exploit their vulnerability are breaking the law.

“They undermine labour standards. They undermine fair competition. And they undermine opportunities for South Africans.

“Such conduct will attract far stronger penalties and far stricter enforcement.”

Ramaphosa acknowledged that many communities have expressed anger about the number of foreign nationals running spaza shops, trading stores and other informal outlets.

He said they argue that foreign-owned enterprises are squeezing South Africans out of these markets in their own communities, adding that their concerns must not be dismissed.

“Many South Africans feel excluded from opportunities within their own communities.

“Government has a responsibility to support local enterprise, promote fair competition and create conditions in which South Africans can participate meaningfully in the economy.

“As a country, as communities and as a continent, we need to work together – in accordance with our Constitution, our laws and our international obligations – to tackle illegal immigration.

“We must do so without resorting to violence, intimidation, victimisation or xenophobia.”

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