Labor Problems in South Africa

Large-scale protests against illegal immigration intensified in the second quarter of the year, culminating in nationwide demonstrations on June 30. Smaller marches, workplace inspections and door-to-door campaigns continued through July and August. Although organizers say they are targeting undocumented migrants, legal residents and business owners have also reported instances of intimidation.

Early figures estimate that more than 178,000 African migrants who left South Africa between late May and early August, including those who departed voluntarily, received assisted repatriation or were deported as the government intensified immigration enforcement. Some 2.4 million foreign nationals live in South Africa, according to the 2022 census.

The economic effects have been concentrated in industries that rely on migrant labor…