Unprotected Migrants
Zimbabweans in South Africa’s Limpopo Province

Glossary

Map of Limpopo Province

Summary

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

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’ compensation8
Employer deductions for emergency travel documents (ETDs)

Conclusion

Acknowledgements

August 2006   Volume 18, Number 6(A)