South Africa Foreign Worker Inspections: Most Foreign Nationals in Entry-Level Jobs

• South African labour inspections found most foreign nationals in entry-level jobs that could be filled by citizens.
• Inspectors visited 168,766 workplaces, identifying 21,371 employing 231,850 foreign workers in the first half of 2026/27.
• Agriculture and wholesale/retail sectors recorded the highest numbers of foreign workers.
• Gauteng and North West provinces had the highest concentrations of foreign workers.
• The Department of Employment and Labour plans to recruit new inspectors through 'Project 10 000' to strengthen enforcement.

The expansion of the inspectorate through Project 10000 labour inspectors SA aims to intensify oversight and ensure that employers across the country comply with regulations concerning the employment of foreign nationals, particularly in roles that South Africans are capable of filling.

The South African Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) has highlighted that a significant majority of positions occupied by foreign nationals during recent South Africa foreign worker inspections were entry-level roles, which the department believes could readily be filled by South African citizens. This observation was shared by Labour Inspector General Aggy Moiloa during the DEL's Public Employment Services national strategic planning conference held in Rustenburg, underscoring a key focus for future SA Department Employment Labour foreign nationals policies.

During the initial six months of the 2026/27 financial year, labour inspectors conducted visits to 168,766 workplaces across the country. From this extensive audit, it was determined that 21,371 of these establishments employed foreign nationals, accounting for a total of 231,850 foreign workers. Aggy Moiloa's foreign worker findings indicated that the prevalence of foreign nationals in entry-level jobs was an unfortunate outcome, suggesting a misalignment with the goal of domestic job creation. However, the released figures did not specify the exact number of foreign workers holding entry-level positions, nor did they detail how many were working without the necessary documentation or the total number of South African employees at the inspected sites.

The inspections revealed a clear distribution of foreign workers across various economic sectors and provinces. The agricultural sector recorded the highest concentration, with 46,533 foreign workers employed by 1,205 different employers. Following closely, the wholesale and retail sector accounted for 41,359 foreign workers across 6,698 employers, indicating that South Africa entry-level jobs foreign workers occupy are prevalent in these areas.

Other sectors identified within the department's top ten for foreign employment included manufacturing, hospitality, construction, mining, private security, financial services, and education. Geographically, Gauteng registered the highest number of foreign workers at 59,624, with the North West province not far behind at 58,533. The Western Cape recorded 34,675 foreign workers, Limpopo 24,972, and the Eastern Cape 20,385, signaling areas where SA foreign employment compliance will be particularly critical.

In light of these findings, Inspector General Moiloa emphasized the critical need for enhanced collaboration between the Public Employment Services branch and labour inspectors. She articulated that the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms is directly contingent upon the capacity available on both sides, highlighting the importance of a coordinated approach to ensure adherence to labour laws.

To significantly strengthen the department's enforcement capabilities, Moiloa confirmed reliance on 'Project 10 000.' This initiative is designed to recruit a substantial number of new labour inspectors. The expansion of the inspectorate through Project 10000 labour inspectors SA aims to intensify oversight and ensure that employers across the country comply with regulations concerning the employment of foreign nationals, particularly in roles that South Africans are capable of filling.

Companies in South Africa employing foreign nationals, particularly in entry-level roles across sectors like agriculture, retail, and manufacturing, should anticipate increased scrutiny and labour inspections. Compliance officers must proactively review foreign employment documentation and hiring practices to ensure adherence to local labour laws and mitigate risks associated with non-compliance, especially given the Department's focus on jobs South Africans could fill and plans to boost inspector numbers.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica