Immigrant workers face rising exploitation in Gauteng

The Casual Workers Advice Office (CWAO) has reported a significant increase in the unlawful treatment of immigrant workers in Gauteng, South Africa. Since June, the organization has taken on over 100 cases involving workers who have been fired, suspended, or excluded from their jobs, many of whom possess valid documentation.

Reported abuses include withheld payments, unpaid overtime, low wages, and unsafe working conditions. Additionally, many immigrant workers have been unable to access Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits because employers have refused to cooperate, despite the workers having contributed to the fund.

Gugu Moyo, an immigrant liaison officer at the CWAO, stated that workers are being “treated as less than human” and are being scapegoated by politicians and anti-immigration activists. Many affected individuals have exhausted their savings and face difficulties arranging travel to leave the country.