South Africans seek jobs as foreign workers leave

Johannesburg – As the number of foreign workers leaving South Africa rises, a growing pool of local job‑seekers is turning its attention to the vacancies they leave behind. Government labour statistics show that the country’s unemployment rate remains above 30 percent, and recent reports from the Department of Labour indicate a noticeable increase in applications for positions traditionally filled by expatriates in sectors such as construction, hospitality and agriculture.

Industry representatives say the departure of overseas employees has created immediate staffing gaps, prompting firms to prioritize South African candidates in recruitment drives. The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that work‑permit cancellations and voluntary exits have contributed to the trend, while the National Employment Service has launched targeted outreach programmes to match unemployed citizens with the newly available roles. Analysts note that the shift may temporarily ease pressure on the labour market, although long‑term effects will depend on broader economic conditions and the pace of skill development among the domestic workforce.