Government has officially opened the long-awaited second window for corporate employers seeking to become part of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), expanding the programme to create a faster, more predictable pathway for companies seeking to bring critical international skills into the country.

Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb, says this is a strong signal that South Africa is open for business, pairing regulatory reform with speed, digital efficiency and more predictable pathways for much-needed critical skills to enter the economy.

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) announced that expressions of interest open on 20 July 2026 and close on 4 September 2026, with outcomes expected within 30 working days after the closing date.

TES Second Window Expands Access to Global Talent 

The announcement in the Government Gazette on 20 July 2026 confirms that the second phase of the TES will expand eligibility to include infrastructure projects and companies that operate or intend to establish a Global Head Office or Regional Head Office in South Africa.

According to DHA, the purpose of the TES is to allow South Africa to attract and manage critical skills more effectively, particularly in the processing of applications for senior executives, technical personnel, corporate employees and investors.

Jacobs says that, now with the major added benefit of online visa submissions by pre-vetted employers, the visa application process for trusted employers will eliminate in-person visa submissions, ensuring a smoother and quicker process. 

Jacobs adds: “This is a welcome step that will bring South Africa’s work visa processes on par with, and in some areas exceed those of many leading international immigration systems.” 

What are the Benefits?

Trusted Employer status provides qualifying organisations with several practical advantages, including:

• priority processing of visa applications;
• significantly reduced supporting documentation requirements; and
• a more predictable immigration process for critical foreign personnel

For employers regularly recruiting international talent, these efficiencies can substantially reduce both administrative burdens and processing delays.

Three Qualification Pathways

The Gazette introduces three separate assessment pathways, each designed to accommodate different business models.

In order to qualify for the TES, employers, investors, or businesses must demonstrate that it has the financial strength to employ a foreign national, that it runs training programmes for South African citizens, and that it is a good corporate citizen. 

The removal of BEE status as a qualifying condition for applicants, is now aligned with the Immigration Act which does not make the submission of an application for a visa conditional upon BEE status. Rather, the qualifying criteria are linked to minimum investment amounts, employment of citizens and permanent residents, and skills development. This will ensure minimum red tape.

Jacobs says attendees at Xpatweb’s Global Mobility Conference, on 21 July 2026 in Johannesburg, will be able to engage firsthand hereon with the Minister who will deliver the keynote address. He is set to elaborate on the progress with immigration policy reform.

To ensure that the TES selection process is fair, ethical and transparent, interested parties can select from the three scorecards when expressing interest in Phase II:

• Pathway 1 – South African-Based Operations

Criteria include pledges to the South African Investment Conference (SAIC) or proven fixed capital investment above R100-million since 2018 and within the boundaries of South Africa. The higher the investment the more points awarded.

Interest required that at least 60% of the staff complement are South African citizens or Permanent Residents, and a certificate from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) confirming that the company operates in one of the priority sectors, including manufacturing, advanced manufacturing and services.

• Pathway 2 – Regional and Global Head Offices

A notable addition under Phase II is the inclusion of multinational companies operating or intending to establish Regional or Global Head Offices in South Africa.

Assessment focuses on among others, establishment or commitment to establish a regional headquarter; significant tax contributions, local employment commitments; and
participation in DTIC priority sectors.

Among the specific criteria for financial contribution for a company operating a regional or global head office in South Africa, is contributing Corporate Income Tax and PAYE of more than R500-million cumulatively in the last two tax years, to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). 

• Pathway 3 – Synthetic Financial Centre

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of Phase II is the introduction of a dedicated pathway for the Synthetic Financial Centre (SFC). Jacobs says with this move, the DHA is opening a visa pathway for the expected influx of financial sector skills.

It puts into practice the announcement in National Treasury’s 2026 Budget of a SFC and reforms to enable fund managers to manage global portfolios efficiently from South Africa. Although not a physical location, the SFC will operate within the exchange control framework and is expected to attract global investment and create opportunities for foreign finance professionals, investors and business owners looking to establish a local presence.

This assessment framework incorporates:

• South African Reserve Bank authorisation;
• recognised domestic or international regulatory standing;
• participation within South African financial market infrastructure;
• certification through a dedicated Visa Facilitation Office; and
• commitments to skills transfer and local employment.

How Companies Will Be Selected

Expressions of interest must be submitted through the Department of Home Affairs’ online Trusted Employer Scheme portal.

Applicants may select only one assessment pathway. Applications must contain all information specified in the selection criteria set out in the Government Gazette and a minimum score of 80 is required.

DHA said the TES membership will be acceptable for local applications as well as at all South African High Commissions abroad. Current Corporate Account Clients are encouraged to apply. Important to note that TES is not for the employment of unskilled and low-wage labour.

Applications will be evaluated by an interdepartmental committee comprising officials from DHA, DTIC, the Department of Employment and Labour, together with other relevant government stakeholders.

Companies seeking guidance on the application process or understanding how the new digital system affects them should consult a trusted immigration service provider.

Jacobs says: “Now is the time for eligible organisations to prepare their application and secure their place within a future-ready immigration framework.”

Final Thoughts 

The second phase follows the strong uptake and significant benefits to companies during the first round of the TES, keeping to the overarching objective to support the government’s efforts in positioning South Africa as Africa’s premier investment destination.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber noted in his June 2025 Budget Vote that the first TES round approved 71 companies across sectors such as automotive manufacturing, mining, banking and energy. The scheme facilitated the recruitment of hundreds of engineers, including 246 software engineers for the country, and 147 nuclear engineers for Eskom. 

Jacobs says the TES continues to play a pivotal role in improving the efficiency of South Africa’s work visa system. The second round of TES participants will benefit from a fully digital visa application process, which is expected to boost foreign investment, enhance business confidence and help companies access scarce skills more quickly.

Written by Xpatweb