Charging of registration fees to job seekers, is this allowed?
MAY A RECRUITMENT AGENCY CHARGE JOB SEEKERS A REGISTRATION FEE?
Charging of registration fees to job seekers, is this allowed?
In response to numerous inquiries via phone calls and emails regarding potential charges for connecting job seekers with employment opportunities, it is crucial to clarify the legal standpoint on this matter for job seekers in South Africa.
It is explicitly illegal for any agency to impose fees for registration or job placement. If you encounter any agency attempting to charge such fees, it is essential to report them promptly to the nearest Department of Labour (DoL) office.
The labor department has established regulations under the Skills Development Act (1998) to govern the industry responsibly. These regulations outline the rights and responsibilities of Private Employment Agencies (PEAs) to maintain a fair and regulated environment.
According to these regulations, employment services are prohibited from:
Charging job seekers fees exceeding a registration fee of R1, along with an additional 7.5% of the remuneration received by the job seeker at the end of the initial month or a shorter period.
Charging any amount for advertisements placed in publications without explicit authorization from the job seeker.
Job seekers are strongly advised to stay vigilant and report any suspicions of irregularities to the nearest Department of Labour offices. Given the prevalence of fake recruiters, it is crucial for applicants to exercise caution. Before applying for a position advertised, it is recommended to verify the legitimacy of the recruiting agency.
