South Africa Seeks Input on Employment Services Bill

On September 18, 2026, the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour officially opened public comments about the Employment Services Amendment Bill [B 16–2026].

The proposed bill seeks to legally regulate the employment of foreign nationals amid shifting economic and demographic dynamics. The committee invites citizens, civil society, business formations, and organized labor to submit written input before formal parliamentary deliberations commence.

The bill is also intended to, among other things, update the foundational Employment Services Act of 2014 by broadening its statutory enforcement powers and expanding legal protections to new sectors. A primary focus of the amendment is regulating foreign labor by introducing structured frameworks to manage the employment of non-citizens, ensuring full statutory alignment with the Immigration Act and the Refugees Act.

Stakeholders submitting written representations are requested to indicate if they wish to deliver an oral presentation during upcoming parliamentary public hearings.

Written submissions should be addressed to the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour, for the attention of Mr Zolani Sakasa by email no later than November 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Mr Sakasa is contactable on 083 709 8488.

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Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news becomes available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.