Wednesday, August 09, 2006

S.A. EXPLOITS ZIMBABWE MIGRANTS!


Most deported Zimbabweans cross the border again into South Africa. Zimbabwean migrant workers in South Africa suffer extortion by the police and are sometimes deported without due procedures, Human Rights Watch says.
A report by the international rights organisation says farmers who employ migrants in the border province of Limpopo often ignore labour laws.
An economic crisis in Zimbabwe in recent years has resulted in increased migration to South Africa.
At least one million Zimbabweans are estimated to be in South Africa.
The police could send us back at any moment, but it's a do or die situation.

"South African police often mistreat undocumented workers when they arrest them," said Georgette Gagnon, HRW's deputy Africa director said.
"While awaiting deportation at police stations, undocumented migrants are given inadequate shelter and food, and some are detained beyond the 30-day legal limit."
HRW argues that South African officials' treatment of migrants violates South African law as well as the country's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
HRW's research found that Zimbabweans who seek work on the fruit farms close to the border are made vulnerable by their lack of legal status in South Africa.
"Farmers often simply ignore the minimum wage and openly admit that they pay even the documented workers lower wages than are legally required," Ms Gagnon said.
"Many farmers also make unlawful deductions from workers' wages, including for housing, which violate government regulations."
BBC NEWS REPORT.

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home