People with domestic workers in South Africa warned about R100,000 fine

South African employers, including households that employ domestic workers, can be fined R100,000 for hiring illegal foreign workers if a new bill becomes law.

This fine is based on the Employment Services Amendment Bill, which was gazetted on 26 May 2026 after receiving Cabinet approval for introduction to Parliament.

The new bill introduces a framework to regulate the employment of foreign nationals in South Africa and to enhance compliance with labour and immigration laws.

On 5 August 2026, the Department of Employment and Labour briefed the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour on the Bill.

Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, said that illegal immigration must be handled through lawful state enforcement.

“Vigilantism must be rejected, but the concerns of South Africans must be acknowledged. The Employment Services Amendment Bill does that,” she said.

The proposed amendments expand the powers of labour inspectors to monitor and enforce compliance with the Employment Services Act.

The Bill also enables closer cooperation between the Departments of Employment and Labour and Home Affairs.

This is done through formal agreements that authorise designated labour inspectors to exercise specific powers under immigration legislation.

Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya said that workplace inspections and enforcement activities have long formed part of the Department of Employment and Labour’s mandate.

This mandate, he said, was strengthened through collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service.

To deter non-compliance, the Bill introduces stronger penalties for anyone who employs an illegal foreign worker.

• R100 000 for a first offence.
• R200 000 for a second offence.
• Up to R1 million or 10% of a company’s gross income for a third offence.

“These measures are intended to discourage unlawful employment practices and ensure that compliant employers are not disadvantaged,” Meth said.

Although the bill has not been formally introduced in Parliament, the briefing was an important step towards it becoming law.

Committee members were supportive of the policy intent to prioritise South African work-seekers and curb the displacement of local workers in low-skilled sectors.

Crackdown on illegal foreign workers in South Africa

The Department of Home Affairs has also launched an offensive against businesses suspected of employing undocumented workers.

Newsday recently reported that Home Affairs officials, flanked by officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS), are regularly inspecting businesses.

The Home Affairs officials investigate these businesses for employing undocumented foreign workers and require them to provide documentation.

If they cannot provide documentation, or if the documentation is not in order, they are arrested, taken to holding cells, and encouraged to pay an R30,000 admission-of-guilt fine.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said that this clampdown is intended to restore the rule of law in South Africa.

“The Department is working in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to restore the rule of law in South Africa’s immigration system,” he said.

The Home Affairs Minister added that their actions include verifying visas and permits as required.

“Where the law is violated, the relevant legal sanctions are enforced without fear or favour,” Schreiber said.

These actions are not exclusive to businesses. The Department of Home Affairs are also targeting estates and private residences.

The High Riding Country Estate on the foothills of the Helderberg Mountains in Sir Lowry’s Pass reported being investigated recently.

On 23 July 2026, six police vans, accompanied by Home Affairs officials, visited the estate and performed inspections.

Eva Crouwel, a property owner at High Riding Country Estate, said that Home Affairs officials visited numerous homes in the estate.