In a significant move to regulate labour migration and address employment challenges, the South African Cabinet has approved the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) 2025 White Paper for implementation.
The NLMP aims to balance the country’s labour market needs with the rights of migrant workers, ensuring fair and ethical recruitment practices. It seeks to promote skills development among South Africans while managing the inflow of foreign workers in a manner that supports economic growth.
Key objectives of the policy include:
- Enhancing the governance of labour migration to ensure it aligns with national development goals.
- Protecting the rights of all workers, regardless of nationality, and promoting decent work conditions.
- Strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation on labour migration issues.
The approval of the NLMP comes at a time when South Africa faces a high unemployment rate, which reached 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025, according to Statistics South Africa. The policy is expected to contribute to job creation and economic stability by ensuring that labour migration is managed effectively and in the national interest.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, emphasized that the policy reflects the government’s commitment to orderly and fair labour migration, which is essential for the country’s socio-economic development.
The implementation of the NLMP will involve collaboration among various government departments, social partners, and stakeholders to ensure its objectives are met and that South Africa continues to uphold its international obligations concerning labour migration.
For more information on the National Labour Migration Policy 2025 White Paper, visit the South African Government News Agency website.
