The Department of Labour often embarks on labour inspections during the course of each new year. The inspector’s functions include advising employees on their rights and obligations in terms of employment legislation and employment contracts, ensuring business owners comply with the rights and obligations imposed on them in terms of The Basic Conditions of Employment Act and investigating any employee complaints.
With the recent developments on the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP’s), which expired on 31 December 2021, these labour inspections might become even more imminent. Business owners who currently employ ZEP holders should inform their employees that they must ensure they furnish proof that a visa application has been submitted to Visa Facilitation Services Global (VFS). This must be submitted in the form of a VFS receipt and through the mechanisms provided for in terms of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. Inspectors are required to check if immigrants have the correct work permits. Therefore, all business owners should inform their employees of the implications if their work permit requirements are non-compliant.
Business owners should further ensure that they are registered with UIF and Workman’s Compensation. They should also ensure that all employment contracts and posters are in place and that all further legislative requirements are complied with to prevent Compliance Orders being issued by the inspectors.
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