Employer organisation says businesses run by legal foreigners boost economy

Undocumented immigrants are not generally employed

- By Boitumelo Kgobotlo

The National Employers’ Association of South Africa (Neasa) has defended its members from accusations that they are employing undocumented migrants and warned that protests against illegal immigration could deter investment.

However, other business organisations believe keeping undocumented migration in check will not harm trade with African countries or negatively impact the economy.

This week’s protests were fuelled by frustrations over unemployment, crime and strained public services. Demonstrators blamed illegal migrants.

Neasa told Sunday World the perception that businesses generally employed undocumented foreign workers was mistaken.