GOVERNMENT and the National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU) have reached an agreement that will see eligible immigration officers at the country’s entry ports get a 25% shift allowance.
The agreement introduce a new working arrangement aimed at reducing overtime costs. It was reached following bilateral negotiations between the government negotiations team (GNT) and NAPSAWU, which have been ongoing since last year.
Ministry of Public Service Principal Secretary Mthuzi Shabangu said the agreement seeks to address concerns surrounding overtime compensation, operational efficiency and working conditions for immigration officers deployed at border posts.
Under the agreement, a revised shift system and duty roster will come into effect this coming Sunday.
He said the new arrangement would create more balanced working schedules, reduce consecutive working days and keep overtime hours within manageable limits.
The agreement also introduces a standardised immigration shift allowance equivalent to 25% of an officer’s basic salary. He said the allowance would compensate eligible immigration officers for extended working hours, including duties performed during nights, weekends and public holidays. It would replace conventional overtime payments for the officers covered by the agreement.
The allowance will be backdated to April 1.
“Overtime claims arising from that date will be addressed in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement. The agreement follows differences in the positions initially tabled by the two parties. Government had proposed a 15% standardised overtime allowance, while NAPSAWU had pushed for 30%.”
Through negotiations, the parties settled on the 25% allowance.
Shabangu said the allowance would apply exclusively to immigration personnel deployed at ports of entry.
He added that officers transferred to workstations where overtime work does not apply would no longer qualify for the allowance. The agreement further provides for special arrangements where personnel from the head office are temporarily deployed to assist with border operations during peak periods, national holidays or major national events.
In such cases, separate authorisation for overtime must be obtained from the ministry of public service in line with applicable regulations.
