Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance calls on Labour and Employment Minister Nomakhosazana Meth to immediately scrap the proposed quotas that would severely restrict the employment of skilled foreign nationals in South Africa.
These quotas threaten to slam the door shut on the skills that we need to transfer into our economy, which desperately needs much higher levels of growth. At a time when global competitiveness and economic recovery should be core to government’s agenda, it is counterproductive to punish legal migration that brings skills, productivity and job creation to South Africa. South Africa needs direct foreign investment, which requires attracting highly skilled expatriates into our economy alongside direct foreign investment.
The proposed quotas directly undermines the progress made through reforms led by the Department of Home Affairs and Operation Vulindlela that make it easier for skilled professionals to enter South Africa legally, contribute to our economy, and create jobs for South Africans. These reforms have been modelled and have been shown to have a positive effect on growth. Key policy shifts like the e-visa system are beginning to attract talent and investment into South Africa. These new quotas would reverse that momentum, harming critical sectors such as agriculture, tourism, construction, and hospitality, as well as the small businesses that rely on specialised skills and international linkages.
South Africa needs more jobs, faster growth, and direct foreign investment. We compete with all other emerging markers for skills and investment, and we should be rolling out the red carpet for specialist skills, not pushing them away.
The DA in the GNU has been a champion for South Africans who want jobs, and we are determined to keep leading the fight for growth and jobs. However, scapegoating skilled foreign nationals who enter South Africa legally and through a fair process is not the solution. Job creation comes from investment, confidence, and competitiveness, and the DA will continue to challenge all measures that hold back the creation of jobs in South Africa.
Regards
Michael Bagraim MP
DA Spokesperson on Employment & Labour