South Africa's Cabinet has approved the Employee Services Amendment Bill and National Labour Migration Policy to curb undocumented migrant labour, boost job opportunities for locals, and strengthen border and labour law enforcement amid high unemployment rates.

South Africa’s Cabinet has given the green light to the Employee Services Amendment Bill alongside the National Labour Migration Policy, signalling a significant government response to the intertwined challenges of undocumented migrant labour and soaring unemployment rates. With the country facing an overall unemployment rate of 43.1% and a staggering 72% among young people, these measures aim to protect South African workers while managing labour migration more effectively.

The newly approved Bill empowers the Department of Employment and Labour to regulate the employment of documented migrant workers, setting limits on their numbers in various workplaces. Exceptions will apply to small businesses with ten or fewer employees, many of which are family-run enterprises. Additionally, the Minister of Employment and Labour will have the authority to impose sector-specific limits on migrant worker employment, targeting vulnerable industries where exploitation is common.

Labour inspections are set to be dramatically increased, with the government planning to recruit an additional 20,000 labour inspectors by 2026, expanding on the current workforce of around 2,000. This expansion aims to enforce labour laws more rigorously, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, domestic work, construction, and hospitality, where undocumented migrant workers often face exploitation and poor working conditions.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has welcomed the Bill and policy as overdue interventions. Cosatu General Secretary Solly Phetoe emphasised that South Africans are eager to work but insist on full protection under labour laws. He highlighted the vulnerability of undocumented migrant workers, who are frequently subjected to labour rights violations, from unpaid wages to unsafe working environments. The new legislation, he said, is a necessary step to level the playing field and prioritise South African workers’ employment rights.

Alongside labour reforms, the government is strengthening border controls and immigration procedures to secure the country’s sovereignty and uphold constitutional mandates. The Department of Home Affairs is rolling out measures to improve the efficiency of asylum and refugee processing, requiring applications to be made at official points of entry rather than inland. Moreover, the Border Management Authority, South African Police Service, and South African National Defence Force are receiving increased resources and training to clamp down on illegal crossings, such as those frequently seen in the Limpopo River and Kruger National Park areas.

The government insists these policies strike a delicate balance between the realities of migration and the pressing need to address unemployment among South Africans. It acknowledges the complex socio-economic dynamics at play, recognising South Africa’s historical role as a destination for migrants from across the continent, drawn by its relatively advanced economy.

However, authorities stress that addressing the root causes of migration—such as conflict and economic instability in neighbouring countries—requires regional cooperation and development. South Africa continues to support continental initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to foster economic growth across Africa and reduce migration pressures.

The Employee Services Amendment Bill and National Labour Migration Policy are now subject to parliamentary consideration. If passed, they are expected to significantly reshape South Africa’s labour landscape by curbing undocumented labour exploitation, securing jobs for South African citizens, and enhancing border management.