South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs expanded its Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) on 20 July 2026, broadening eligibility to include infrastructure projects and regional or global headquarters, while accelerating digital visa processes and prioritizing economic growth, according to Channelafrica and Polity.org.za.
The Department of Home Affairs officially launched Phase II of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) on 20 July 2026, expanding its scope to include companies involved in strategic infrastructure projects, businesses establishing regional or global headquarters in South Africa, and qualifying firms in the financial services sector. The move, described as a key component of broader immigration reforms, aims to reduce red tape, enhance competitiveness, and attract critical foreign talent, according to Channelafrica.
Expansion of TES to Include Strategic Sectors
The updated TES now requires qualifying companies to demonstrate significant investment in South Africa, employ predominantly local citizens or permanent residents, invest in skills development, and operate within priority economic sectors. An interdepartmental committee will assess applications to ensure a transparent, merit-based process, as outlined in Channelafrica. The scheme’s expansion aligns with the Government of National Unity’s focus on economic growth and job creation, with Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber stating, This directly contributes to the apex priority of the Government of National Unity, which is to grow the economy to create jobs.
Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb, praised the reforms as a strong signal that South Africa is open for business,
noting that the new phase eliminates in-person visa submissions for pre-vetted employers, streamlining the process for critical international talent. Polity.org.za reported that the second window for applications opened on 20 July 2026, with submissions closing on 4 September 2026, and decisions expected within 30 working days.
Digital Transformation and Visa Process Reforms
The TES expansion includes a dedicated online application system, which will eventually integrate with the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform. Schreiber emphasized the department’s commitment to digital reform, stating, The introduction of a secure and efficient online portal, as well as our ongoing work to transition TES into the world-class ETA platform, also forms part of our broader digital transformation agenda.
Channelafrica noted that the new system prioritizes efficiency while maintaining immigration controls.
Jacobs highlighted that the reforms bring South Africa’s work visa processes on par with, and in some areas exceed those of many leading international immigration systems.
The scheme offers benefits such as priority visa processing, reduced documentation requirements, and a more predictable pathway for foreign employees. Polity.org.za detailed three qualification pathways, including criteria for fixed capital investment, local employment ratios, and sector-specific eligibility.
Minister’s Vision for Economic Growth
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber framed the TES expansion as a milestone in the department’s shift from a regulatory body to an economic enabler. The launch of a bigger and better TES is yet another marker that Home Affairs increasingly works as an economic enabler, rather than as a constraint,
he said, per Channelafrica. Schreiber reiterated the department’s vision to build a digital-first Department that enables investment, creates jobs, and makes SA economy more globally competitive.
The reforms also remove BEE status as a qualifying condition, aligning with the Immigration Act which does not make the submission of an application for a visa conditional upon BEE status. Polity.org.za noted that this change reduces bureaucratic hurdles while ensuring compliance with national economic priorities.
Implications for Business and Immigration
The expanded TES is expected to boost business confidence by providing a faster, more predictable pathway for international hiring. Polity.org.za reported that the scheme’s second window coincides with the Global Mobility Conference in Johannesburg on 21 July 2026, where Schreiber will address stakeholders on immigration policy reforms. The department’s emphasis on digital efficiency and sector-specific eligibility signals a strategic push to position South Africa as a competitive destination for global talent and investment.
With the application window open until 4 September 2026, businesses seeking TES eligibility must align with the department’s criteria for investment, local employment, and skills development. The reforms underscore a broader shift in South Africa’s approach to immigration, balancing regulatory oversight with economic imperatives.
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