More than 40 undocumented foreign nationals have been detained for processing by the Department of Home Affairs during a multidisciplinary inspection at a construction site in Midrand on September 2.

Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya, Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Dada Morero, and members of the mayoral committee led the High Impact Blitz Programme, which aims to ensure compliance with South Africa’s labour laws and other legislation.

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More than 100 undocumented foreign nationals were reportedly found on site. According to the Department of Employment and Labour, at least 41 were detained and handed over for processing, with Home Affairs to determine possible deportation.

The operation also raised concerns about the employment of undocumented workers in the construction sector. Morero said some workers attempted to flee when officials arrived.

“We are continuing with our operations with Deputy Minister of Labour Jomo Sibiya in clearing issues around labour laws in these developments that we see happening in Johannesburg to ensure that the rights of the workers are protected,” Morero said.

He said the city was also investigating the employment of undocumented migrants on construction projects.

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“Once we arrived here this morning, just over 150 of those who are illegal and undocumented without work permits were able to escape, and they ran away,” Morero said. “Now, we are dealing with the developer and the project managers here so that we can get to the bottom of the issue.

Morero called on developers to stop employing people without the required work permits and documentation.

“They are taking away a job opportunity for South African citizens,” he said. “So, we are making a call for them to exercise caution and ensure that they employ South African citizens who are permitted, with the right documents.”

He added that the city would continue working with law enforcement and other government departments to enforce municipal by-laws and national legislation.

“We will continue this operation,” Morero said. “We are not folding. We will ensure that we clean Johannesburg, enforce the by-laws, and enforce the laws of the country.”

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