90 days after the launch of the Department of Home Affairs’ Trusted Employer Scheme, companies are taking stock.

Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, immigration service provider confirms that there has been a marked difference for companies enrolled as Trusted Employers, with their first visa submitted under the scheme issued within 24 hours. This is a big accolade for the Department, and they should be commended for the efforts they have made towards the success of the scheme.

Jacobs says they have also seen another Embassy immediately acknowledge the TES application, and on submission confirming the applicant can return 10 days later to collect the outcome with a dedicated phone line for any questions or updates. 

About the Trusted Employer Scheme 

South Africa's Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2023, officially came into effect on 1 March 2024 for 68 companies, out of the 108 that applied.  

The TES simplifies the complex process of securing visas and permits with reduced requirements for work visa applications as well as improved processing times. 

We anticipated that there would be a certain level of delay in the initial stages with some teething problems, as has been the case in the past where new Regulations or Directives have been rolled out. The process has however been mostly positive and with some immediate wins for Employers, Jacobs confirmed.

Securing your TES Status

Companies seeking Trusted Employer status must meet specific criteria, including capital investment, graduate training programs, and evidence of good standing with various government departments. 

Despite the initial application deadline passing, a new opportunity for companies to apply is on the horizon. 

In a recent press conference, the Minister of the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that a second round of applications for TES will open in May 2024. The Minister at the same time warned that Trusted Employers are subject to a more stringent audit process and transgressors will be kicked off the scheme. 

Benefits of Trusted Employer Status

The advantages of being a Trusted Employer go beyond mere status symbols, they translate into tangible benefits that drive business success. Foremost among these benefits are the streamlined processing times for work visas and permits:

·Applications submitted in South Africa through VFS are processed in 5 – 10 business days.

·Applications submitted through SA Embassies and High Commissions are processed in 5 – 20 business days.

·Waivers and Appeals are processed in 60 – 70 business days.

·Permanent Residency Permits are processed in 8 months.

·Short Term Visas are processed in 5 business days.

In contrast, non-Trusted Employers face considerably longer processing times, and with some visas now pending over 24 months. There remain substantial delays especially on waiver and appeals impacting negatively on business. Additionally spousal and relative visas are adversely affected by the visa backlog, with the Department highlighting difficulty in verifying supporting documents for these categories as a contributing factor to the slow processing and issuance of visas. 

Next Steps

We encourage all companies who meet the criteria to apply for the Trusted Employer Scheme when the next round opens. Where companies are not part, or not yet part of the Scheme, a well-planned, proactive, legal approach continues to serve applicants well with predictable steps in place to report back to business in a meaningful way.

Written by Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb & Nedlac Business Representative for Immigration