Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba File picture: Oupa
Mokoena/Independent Media
Cape Town - The Department of Home Affairs has promised a crackdown on
businesses not complying with legislation that at least 60% of its
staff complement comprise South African citizens.


Widespread noncompliance appeared to be prevalent in the hospitality,
construction, agriculture and mining sectors, Minister Malusi Gigaba
said, adding that the department’s intervention comes amid “grave
concerns” from citizens, communities and government departments.


Last week Gigaba met role players in the hospitality industry,
including hotel and restaurant owners and managers, to address “the
high rates of immigrant employment in the country”.


“It was an open and frank meeting from which I expect measurable
benefits for the country and citizens,” Gigaba said.
“The requirement to employ 60% citizens came out strongly, with all
acknowledging its importance. There was consensus on dire consequences
of failure to respond and the impact on communities, as well as on
balancing international migration with security needs of the
state.”


Gigaba said department officials would be conducting surprise
inspections.


Businesses found to be on the wrong side of the law would be fined
heavily and have their licences reviewed, while managers and owners
could be jailed for up to two years if legal action was taken by the
department.


“The crux of the matter, as observed, is that many businesses do not
hire South African

workers, preferring migrants,” Gigaba said.
Such employment practices were to blame for some of the incidents of
attacks on foreign nationals.


“It is a matter we cannot put aside, thus its prioritisation going
forward. And so we have resolved this year to pay serious attention to
this matter, even to contain possible threats that may arise from
mismanagement of the situation.”


Gigaba said the meeting with the hospitality industry representatives
was fruitful.


“They were honest to concede that the problems were concerns that had
been raised with them before, especially in hospitality, construction
and mining. Among other things, they agreed to raise awareness on the
dangers and consequences of employing undocumented people, including
the risk on their part of jeopardising their licences.


“The sector welcomed the initiative we took and agreed to do all in
their power to ensure its objectives are met,” Gigaba said.


Provincial Economic Opportunities MEC Alan Winde said he was aware of
the department’s intervention.


“Cape Town and the Western Cape is positioning itself as a global
region which welcomes foreign businesses and employees. This talent
contributes to our economy."


“As with all businesses, local and foreign, the laws of the country
should be adhered to,” Winde said.


Gigaba said his department would next engage the construction and
agriculture V.1886

One of the highlighted topics: Critical Skills Visa.

- Key Insight: Is your profession on the Critical Skills List? This visa is your fast track to working in South Afr...
- This matter relates to critical skills visa and its broader implications.
- Individuals are advised to seek professional guidance.

Is your profession on the Critical Skills List? This visa is your fast trac V.6139
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One of the applicants, Phindile Mazibuko, became a victim of identity theft in 2012 when fraudulent transactions occurred, using her personal details.

-The Pretoria High Court found that the department of home affairs had violated constitutional rights without due process.
-Only half of Lawyers for Human Rights` test group has been unblocked, while 385 000 identities remain blocked nationwide.
-LHR appeals extension, urges affected people to seek help now.

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) are intensifying pressure on the department of home affairs over the national ID-blocking crisis, accusing the state of acting too slowly to unblock qualifying individuals despite a landmark court ruling.

In January last year, the Pretoria High Court found that the department`s practice of blocking IDs without due process was unlawful and unconstitutional. One of the applicants, Phindile Mazibuko, a Swati citizen and South African permanent resident since 1998, fell victim to identity theft in 2012 when fraudsters used her personal details.

 V.6133
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The Border Management Authority (BMA) has doubled its staff at Airports in South Africa , including immigration officers.

What does this mean for travelers? V.6128
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The Border Management Authority (BMA) has doubled its staff at Airports in South Africa , including immigration officers.

What does this mean for travelers? V.6129
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A Washington state mother and her 6-year-old son have been released after spending more than three weeks in US immigration detention due to a brief trip to Canada and a small paperwork mistake, her attorney told CNN on Saturday.

Sarah Shaw, a New Zealand citizen who has lived legally in the US since she arrived in 2021, was detained at the Blaine, Washington, Customs and Border Protection checkpoint when returning home after dropping her two oldest children off at the Vancouver airport for a flight to visit their grandparents in New Zealand. Shaw, 33, chose the flight out of Vancouver because it was direct and she didn`t want her children to have to navigate a layover alone, her attorney Minda Thorward, told CNN.

 V.6130
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On 22 July 2025, the Gauteng High Court dismissed Sitrusrand Boerdery`s review of the Department of Employment and Labour`s refusal to issue a Working Conditions and Salary Benchmarking Certificate, an essential precondition for obtaining corporate visas under the Immigration Act.

Acting Judge Kekana AJ held that the Department`s decision was lawful, rational and procedurally fair. This judgment illustrates how businesses can - and must - structure their corporate visa applications to meet statutory requirements, and how legal practitioners should prepare robust review challenges when administrative authorities decline to recommend foreign-work permits.

 V.6131
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The United States could forfeit an estimated 9.4 billion dollars in visitor spending over the next three years following the introduction of a new 250 dollars `visa integrity fee,` according to industry groups, who warn the policy risks undermining tourism and costing thousands of jobs.
The United States’ decision to introduce a 250 dollars `visa integrity fee` on international visitors has triggered sharp criticism from the global tourism industry, with officials warning that the measure could deter millions of travellers and cost the U.S. economy billions.
The 250dollar `visa integrity fee,` part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed on July 4, 2025, will take effect later this year. According to immigration law firm Envoy Global, it applies to all nonimmigrant visa holders which include students, tourists, temporary workers, and business visitors particularly from African countries. V.6132
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The Border Management Authority (BMA) has doubled its staff at Airports in South Africa , including immigration officers.

What does this mean for travelers? V.6127
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1. Right to Legal Representation•You have the right to consult with a legal representative.•Contact an immigration practitioner, legal aid clinic, or attorney urgently.•Do not sign any documents without understanding them fully. 2. Section 34 of the Immigration Act•You must be brought to court with 48 hours to confirm arrest but you can remain locked up very long as courts figure out what to do with you •If you`re found to be illegally in South Africa, you may be detained for up to 30 days (extendable by a magistrate) pending deportation.•BUT this cannot happen arbitrarily. You must be informed of your rights, and Home Affairs must follow due process.- becomes a nightmare , you could lose your job , business , place to stay V.6121
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Driving for Bolt, Uber, Mr D, or Checkers Sixty60?If you`re undocumented, you`re risking more than just your income.The Risks if You`re Not Legal: - Vehicle impoundment - Heavy fines - Arrest & deportation - Permanent bans from working in SA V.6122
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