South Africa- The new immigration policies under the DA’s Home Affairs ministry have added another layer of difficulty for foreign nationals, mainly targeting truck drivers. 

The Road Freight Association (RFA) recently announced that all foreign truck drivers employed by South African freight companies must now possess valid work permits.

According to RFA CEO Gavin Kelly, foreign drivers without proper permits risk invalidating insurance claims for their employers, making it illegal for companies to hire them. 

The policy prioritises job opportunities for South African citizens while ensuring foreign workers comply with stringent legal requirements.

This shift comes amid rising xenophobia and resentment towards foreign workers in the country. 

Many fear that the crackdown on foreign nationals will worsen already fraught relations and further marginalise non-South African workers, especially in industries like transport, where they have a significant presence.

Even with recognised SADC licenses, foreign truck drivers will need proper work documentation, highlighting the increasing rigidity of immigration and labour policies that make it harder for foreigners to work legally in South Africa.