Unprotected Migrants

Glossary

Map of Limpopo Province

Summary

Recommendations

To the Government of South Africa

Background

Migration to South Africa

Foreign migrants on farms in South Africa

Zimbabwean farm workers in Limpopo province

The International Organization for Migration and Zimbabwean migrants

The Legal Framework: Migrants' Status and Employment Conditions

The Immigration Act: Violations and Gaps Resulting in Human Rights Abuses

Unlawful procedures and acts in the arrest, detention, and deportation of undocumented foreigners

Officers' failure to verify the status and identity of suspected "illegal foreigners"

Assault, bribery, and theft by police during arrest of suspected illegal migrants

Detention exceeding 30 days without proper procedures

Detention not in compliance with prescribed standards

Deportation without an opportunity to collect remuneration, savings, and personal belongings

Migrants' vulnerability to arrest and deportation arising from government deficiencies in documenting corporate workers

Migrants' vulnerability to financial abuses by corporate permit holders

Employment Laws: Violations and Gaps Resulting in Human Rights Violations

Employers' failure to pay minimum wages, their unlawful use of piece rate, and their disregard of overtime rules

Employers' failure to comply with provisions governing deductions from wages

Discrimination and violence against Zimbabwean workers by South Africans in the private sector

Housing and living conditions

Workers' compensation

Employer deductions for emergency travel documents (ETDs)

Conclusion

Acknowledgements