Djibouti has launched a crackdown on the illegal employment of foreigners in private companies in the Red Sea country.

The head of the country's labor inspectorate, Koina Omar Dahelo, on Thursday said they will be searching for the number of employees in private firms, their salary scales, their work contracts or positions. Authorities must make clear whether or not they have been registered with the social affairs docket, the official added.

She affirmed that the sudden operations are being carried out in conformity with the Labor Inspection and Social Laws (ITLS).

"For Djiboutian workers, we shall be verifying whether they are registered with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). For foreign workers, we shall be verifying whether they have a valid work permit," she said.

The Djiboutian government has established the National Employment Agency for Training and Professional Integration (ANEFIP), which informs companies about the availability of qualified national professionals for the various positions they are seeking.

If an employer realizes that the qualifications they are seeking for are not available in the African country, he could employ a foreigner of his choice.

However, he has to fulfill certain requirements, like getting a work permit from ANEFIP for the employee whom he wants to bring to the Djiboutian territory.

It is with the authorization from ANEFIP that the concerned employee could obtain a residence permit from the police services.

Situated in a zone that is affected by wars, famine and drought, Djibouti is confronted with the challenge of influx of people coming from neighboring countries, who end up living and working in the country illegally.