MOKHOTLONG – Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Moshe Leoma has embarked on a campaign to reinforce compliance from foreign nationals who are working in Lesotho without permits.
The campaign dubbed ‘operation thoso’ comprising of surprise inspections started sometime last week and has today seen the arrest of three Chinese nationals who were running shops without proper permits at Mapholaneng.
The three have since been taken to Mokhotlong police station where they shall await their appearance before court.
According to Mr Leoma, these three are just a drop in the ocean as there are many more who are still not complying with the labour requirements.
“These are the very people who are depriving Basotho of employment because they do not come with any expertise and I am not going to stop at these as I intend to leave no stone unturned in this campaign.
“I am going to cover as many areas as possible and the inspections will be unannounced. All those who are found to be at fault shall toe the line, and those who don’t have permits due to the delay of the ministry shall be spared until their permits are sorted out,” Mr Leoma told Lesotho Express.
The minister is accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr Matela Thabane, Public Relations Manager Mr Tumisang Mokoai, Inspection officers, members of the National Security Services and police officers.