Major Changes Coming! South Africa Approves New Worker Quotas for Foreign Nationals

South Africa is making big moves to regulate the hiring of foreign workers — and it’s about to get a lot stricter. The National Labour Migration Policy 2025 White Paper has officially been approved and will introduce worker quotas across key sectors of the economy. This is aimed at protecting local jobs and tackling rising unemployment.

🔒 What’s Changing?

Once the policy is put into law through the Employment Services Amendment Bill, businesses across South Africa will face strict limits on how many foreign nationals they can hire — especially in high-employment sectors like:

• 🧑‍🌾 Agriculture
• 🛏️ Hospitality
• 🧱 Construction
• 🌍 Tourism

The aim? To make sure South African citizens get first access to available jobs.

🚫 Foreigners Also Face New Restrictions

In addition to limiting foreign hires, the policy will:

• Restrict business visas for foreign nationals
• Stop foreigners from opening small businesses in specific sectors
• Impose skills transfer plans if a foreigner is hired
• Ensure equal treatment (wages, conditions) for foreigners and locals

Employers can only go above the quotas if:

1. Critical skills are needed and no locals are qualified, or
2. They are granted exemptions by the Minister of Labour.

⚠️ Businesses: New Compliance Rules & Fines

Legal experts from Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) have warned employers to get ready. Businesses will now have to:

• Check visa status and legal right to work
• Prove no local is available for the job
• Prepare a skills transfer plan for foreign hires
• Ensure foreign workers get fair treatment

Non-compliance? You could face fines of up to R100,000 and other penalties.

And it doesn’t stop there — companies must also factor in Employment Equity Amendment Act targets when hiring, making the process even more complex.

🔍 Will These Laws Actually Work?

The labour sector supports the new quotas, but there are big concerns about enforcement.

Zwelinzima Vavi of the SA Federation of Trade Unions said, “The problem isn’t the law — it’s that employers ignore the law. Farm bosses, security firms, and food retailers continue hiring undocumented workers.”

So the real challenge will be holding businesses accountable.

🛂 New Immigration Enforcement: Operation New Broom

The Department of Home Affairs has also stepped up. Their new initiative, Operation New Broom, uses biometric tech to catch illegal foreign workers. In its first phase, 25 suspects were arrested in District 6, Cape Town for illegal land occupation.

This signals a nationwide crackdown on undocumented workers.

📝 What’s Next?

• The White Paper still needs to pass through Parliament
• If enacted, businesses will need to quickly adapt
• Job seekers should stay informed as the labour market shifts

✅ Summary

⚠️ Employers, get ready. The new laws are coming — and they’re strict.
⚠️ Job seekers, stay alert. More local opportunities could be opening up.