Migrant Workers Association (MWA) Executive Director Mr Lerato Nkhet’se alleges that undocumented Basotho in South Africa face deportation after the statement that newly appointed Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber made recently.
Mr Nkhets’e alleges Dr Schreiber has made it clear that any undocumented foreign nationals residing in that country will be deported if found to be staying illegally in that country.
He said the Home Affairs Minister has made it clear that the illegal migrants are not adding any value to South Africa claiming that they are not paying any tax.
He therefore said the majority of Basotho working in farms in Ceres, those working in the textile industry in Newcastle, domestic workers who do not have work permits as well as taxi and truck drivers and many others could be deported any time soon if Dr Schreiber’s words are to be taken seriously.
Mr Nkhetsé said this spells disaster for Basotho who are fending for themselves without proper documents since there is a challenge of issuance of travelling documents in Lesotho.
Mr Nkhet’se said this is despite both Lesotho and South Africa governments having signed the bilateral cooperation commission which among others entails a free movement between these two neighboring countries.
An estimated plus or minus 500 000 Basotho from Lesotho are believed to be residing in neighboring South Africa due to the high rate of unemployment in their home country.
Source: Lesotho News Agency (LENA) 11/07/2024
