The Department of Home Affairs has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to the employment of illegal foreigners in South Africa. If an employer of an illegal foreigner is found to have failed to execute its verification duties as per the Immigrations Act 13 of 2002 around the status of the employee, the employer faces criminal liabilities and the penalties of fines and/or imprisonment in terms of the Act. Employers are advised to confirm the legality of the work status of all current staff under their employ.
