Government Intensifies Immigration Act and Labour Law Enforcement

Posted 30 June 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Regulatory & Compliance

Brought to you by SAnews: The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enforcing the Immigration Act, No. 13 of 2002 and domestic labour laws under the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management.

Following nationwide demonstrations concerning migration and economic opportunities, the government reported active enforcement measures. According to the GCIS, authorities have recently repatriated 4,286 foreign nationals and deported an additional 419 individuals under the statutory frameworks governing immigration. The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration has emphasized that these actions are part of a coordinated strategy to secure borders and address irregular migration systematically.

The Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, originally announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, focuses on several key regulatory and compliance areas:

  • Strengthening the joint enforcement of immigration regulations and employment standards under South African labour legislation;
  • Securing national borders and enhancing physical and digital migration management systems;
  • Addressing existing legislative and policy gaps within the Immigration Act, No. 13 of 2002; and
  • Coordinating with regional and continental partners to manage cross-border migration flows.

The GCIS warned that law enforcement agencies will continue to target compliance failures, including labour exploitation, human trafficking, and business non-compliance with employment ratios of foreign nationals. Businesses operating in South Africa are required to ensure strict adherence to statutory employment requirements to avoid penalties, prosecution, or operational disruptions.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations, though professionals must remain aware of the heightened enforcement climate surrounding immigration and employment verification.
  • For your business: Ensure that your firm’s human resources department conducts a comprehensive audit of all employee records to verify valid work visas and compliance with the Immigration Act, No. 13 of 2002 and labour regulations.
  • For your clients: Advise clients, particularly those in high-risk sectors such as hospitality, agriculture, and construction, to review their employment ratios and verify the legal status of their workforce to mitigate the risk of statutory penalties and deportations.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/government-commends-citizens-peaceful-demonstrations

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