JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — A major multi-disciplinary crackdown targeting a Johannesburg construction site has resulted in the arrest of 66 illegal immigrants and one employer, as Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero lead a sweeping enforcement blitz to combat severe labour and immigration law violations. The joint operation, which […]
JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — A major multi-disciplinary crackdown targeting a Johannesburg construction site has resulted in the arrest of 66 illegal immigrants and one employer, as Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero lead a sweeping enforcement blitz to combat severe labour and immigration law violations.
The joint operation, which took place on Friday in Sunninghill, north of Johannesburg, initially identified almost 90 illegal immigrants at the site. Authorities launched the inspection to enforce strict compliance with the Labour Relations Act, the Immigration Act, and municipal by-laws, amid growing concerns over widespread regulatory non-compliance across Johannesburg businesses.
During the inspection of a sprawling factory and construction complex, officials discovered systemic violations. Deputy Minister Sibiya and Mayor Morero noted that some facilities had attempted to remove employees just before authorities arrived, while others were operating exclusively with night-shift workers, many of whom were illegal immigrants.
Investigators found that the Basic Conditions of Employment Act was being flagrantly ignored. Workers were not issued salary slips, were paid below the minimum wage, and were denied paid sick leave even when presenting valid doctor’s notes.
The occupational health and safety conditions were described as disastrous. Inspectors reported finding approximately 100 workers confined in spaces with huge holes, zero ventilation, and no windows. Furthermore, sites lacked mandatory medical clearances for employees, had no designated first aiders on site, and failed to conduct basic risk assessments.
A primary focus of the enforcement action was the role of sub-contractors. Officials revealed that sub-contractors had violated the Labour Relations Act and Immigration Act by failing to appoint a competent construction manager, neglecting minimum wage requirements, and knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.
In response, authorities have issued formal prohibition notices. The main contractor has been held accountable and instructed to ensure all sub-contractors rectify these immigration and labour issues. Officials emphasized that work will not be permitted to resume until every prohibition has been fully resolved and a compliant protection plan is established.
Immigration officers on the scene detailed the specific legal breaches encountered. These included violations of Section 49 of the Immigration Act for individuals working without valid permits, and Section 49(6) for those working illegally while holding only a VFS receipt awaiting a visa outcome. Additionally, authorities intercepted individuals contravening Section 40/914 through the use of fraudulent passports.
Alongside the 66 illegal immigrants taken into custody, one employer overseeing the premises was also arrested for their role in facilitating these illegal employment practices.
The Department of Employment and Labour, in partnership with the City of Johannesburg, has vowed to continue these rigorous, multi-disciplinary inspections. The ongoing campaign aims to restore strict adherence to the law, protect the rights of legitimate workers, and ensure total compliance in regional business practices.
