Over 80 foreign nationals working in restaurants arrested for failing to have proper documentation - Labour Dept
The Department of Labour has been carrying out surprise inspections at eateries nationwide, cracking down on labour law violations and immigration breaches.
Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth during a media briefing in Pretoria on 1 October 2024. Picture: @GovernmentZA/X
JOHANNESBURG - More than 80 foreign nationals working in restaurants across the country have been arrested for failing to produce proper documentation.
The Department of Labour has been carrying out surprise inspections at eateries nationwide, cracking down on labour law violations and immigration breaches.
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The raids have resulted in dozens of arrests, with restaurant owners, managers, and workers taken into custody for non-compliance.
Minister of Labour Nomakhosazana Meth said this was just the beginning of a broader enforcement campaign.
"About 81 foreign nationals were arrested, along with several employers in breach of our laws. Orders were issued for employers to repay wages owed to underpaid workers."
The department is set to continue its aggressive crackdown on illegal labour practices, with more inspections expected in the coming weeks.