Summary
This type of visa is yet to be launched but the associated immigration policy document has been published
View DetailsIs it working?
No action yet
Actions
Policy document launched but yet to be implemented
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan
Is it on the agenda?
To amend the Immigration Act and the Immigration Regulations document
Goals
New visa type, the remote working/digital nomad visa, is expected to be established
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
This type of visa is yet to be launched but the associated immigration policy document has been published
View DetailsIs it working?
No action yet
Actions
Policy document launched but yet to be implemented
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan
Is it on the agenda?
To amend the Immigration Act and the Immigration Regulations document
Goals
New visa type, the remote working/digital nomad visa, is expected to be established
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
This type of visa is yet to be launched but the associated immigration policy document has been published
View DetailsIs it working?
No action yet
Actions
Policy document launched but yet to be implemented
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan
Is it on the agenda?
To amend the Immigration Act and the Immigration Regulations document
Goals
New visa type, the remote working/digital nomad visa, is expected to be established
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
This type of visa is yet to be launched but the associated immigration policy document has been published
View DetailsIs it working?
No action yet
Actions
Policy document launched but yet to be implemented
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan
Is it on the agenda?
To amend the Immigration Act and the Immigration Regulations document
Goals
New visa type, the remote working/digital nomad visa, is expected to be established
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
This type of visa is yet to be launched but the associated immigration policy document has been published
View DetailsIs it working?
No action yet
Actions
Policy document launched but yet to be implemented
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan
Is it on the agenda?
To amend the Immigration Act and the Immigration Regulations document
Goals
New visa type, the remote working/digital nomad visa, is expected to be established
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
This type of visa is yet to be launched but the associated immigration policy document has been published
View DetailsIs it working?
No action yet
Actions
Policy document launched but yet to be implemented
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan
Is it on the agenda?
To amend the Immigration Act and the Immigration Regulations document
Goals
New visa type, the remote working/digital nomad visa, is expected to be established
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
This type of visa is yet to be launched but the associated immigration policy document has been published
View DetailsIs it working?
No action yet
Actions
Policy document launched but yet to be implemented
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan
Is it on the agenda?
To amend the Immigration Act and the Immigration Regulations document
Goals
New visa type, the remote working/digital nomad visa, is expected to be established
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
This type of visa is yet to be launched but the associated immigration policy document has been published
View DetailsIs it working?
No action yet
Actions
Policy document launched but yet to be implemented
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan
Is it on the agenda?
To amend the Immigration Act and the Immigration Regulations document
Goals
New visa type, the remote working/digital nomad visa, is expected to be established
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
This type of visa is yet to be launched but the associated immigration policy document has been published
View DetailsIs it working?
No action yet
Actions
Policy document launched but yet to be implemented
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan
Is it on the agenda?
To amend the Immigration Act and the Immigration Regulations document
Goals
New visa type, the remote working/digital nomad visa, is expected to be established
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
New visa categories are being proposed in the draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship Immigration and Refugee Protection (expected to be launched in late 2026). The draft was published for public comment in February 2026. The key visas to be established are: a skilled worker visa (merging critical and general work visas) using a points system, a sectoral work visa (replacing the corporate visa) and a start-up visa.
In April 2026, Cabinet approved the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, following a public comment period, but it is yet to be formally gazetted.
Is it working?
The Revised White Paper on Citizenship Immigration and Refugee Protection is currently in a draft format for these actions to take place
Actions
The Department of Home Affairs gazetted the draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship Immigration and Refugee Protection, updating the initial 2024 version.
Are there plans?
A new Revised White Paper on Citizenship Immigration and Refugee Protection is to be launched in late 2026.
Is it on the agenda?
Falls under the draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship Immigration and Refugee Protection
Goals
Establish new visa categories, including a skilled worker visa, a sectoral work visa and a start-up visa.
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Is it working?
No action yet
Actions
Create a Trusted Employer Scheme
Are there plans?
Easier visa process
Is it on the agenda?
Improving services
Goals
Streamlining application requirements to ease the administrative burden of visa applications (eg Trusted Employer Scheme)
Departments / Govt Institutions
Is it working?
No action yet
Actions
Create a Trusted Employer Scheme
Are there plans?
Easier visa process
Is it on the agenda?
Improving services
Goals
Streamlining application requirements to ease the administrative burden of visa applications (eg Trusted Employer Scheme)
Departments / Govt Institutions
Is it working?
No action yet
Actions
Create a Trusted Employer Scheme
Are there plans?
Easier visa process
Is it on the agenda?
Improving services
Goals
Streamlining application requirements to ease the administrative burden of visa applications (eg Trusted Employer Scheme)
Departments / Govt Institutions
Is it working?
No action yet
Actions
Create a Trusted Employer Scheme
Are there plans?
Easier visa process
Is it on the agenda?
Improving services
Goals
Streamlining application requirements to ease the administrative burden of visa applications (eg Trusted Employer Scheme)
Departments / Govt Institutions
Is it working?
No action yet
Actions
Create a Trusted Employer Scheme
Are there plans?
Easier visa process
Is it on the agenda?
Improving services
Goals
Streamlining application requirements to ease the administrative burden of visa applications (eg Trusted Employer Scheme)
Departments / Govt Institutions
Is it working?
No action yet
Actions
Create a Trusted Employer Scheme
Are there plans?
Easier visa process
Is it on the agenda?
Improving services
Goals
Streamlining application requirements to ease the administrative burden of visa applications (eg Trusted Employer Scheme)
Departments / Govt Institutions
Is it working?
No action yet
Actions
Create a Trusted Employer Scheme
Are there plans?
Easier visa process
Is it on the agenda?
Improving services
Goals
Streamlining application requirements to ease the administrative burden of visa applications (eg Trusted Employer Scheme)
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The revised immigration regulations (Second Amendment Immigration Regulations [2014]), amending the Immigration Act (2002), were published/gazetted in May 2024. HALTED: We stopped tracking this specific reform at end-June 2025 and as it is covered by other related reform categories.
View DetailsIs it working?
Regulations are in place and implementation is ongoing.
Actions
e-visa is already in place, which aims to streamline the visa application process. Other systems are expected to be rolled out in the near future.
Are there plans?
New visa systems are in the pipeline.
Is it on the agenda?
Falls under the Operation Vulindlela phase 2 (from phase 1) agenda.
Goals
Streamlining application requirements to ease the administrative burden of visa applications (eg, Trusted Employer Scheme, e-visa and the proposed ETA).
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The revised immigration regulations (Second Amendment Immigration Regulations [2014]), amending the Immigration Act (2002), were published/gazetted in May 2024. HALTED: We stopped tracking this specific reform at end-June 2025 and as it is covered by other related reform categories.
View DetailsIs it working?
Regulations are in place and implementation is ongoing.
Actions
e-visa is already in place, which aims to streamline the visa application process. Other systems are expected to be rolled out in the near future.
Are there plans?
New visa systems are in the pipeline.
Is it on the agenda?
Falls under the Operation Vulindlela phase 2 (from phase 1) agenda.
Goals
Streamlining application requirements to ease the administrative burden of visa applications (eg, Trusted Employer Scheme, e-visa and the proposed ETA).
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The revised immigration regulations (Second Amendment Immigration Regulations [2014]), amending the Immigration Act (2002), were published/gazetted in May 2024. HALTED: We stopped tracking this specific reform at end-June 2025 and as it is covered by other related reform categories.
View DetailsIs it working?
Regulations are in place and implementation is ongoing.
Actions
e-visa is already in place, which aims to streamline the visa application process. Other systems are expected to be rolled out in the near future.
Are there plans?
New visa systems are in the pipeline.
Is it on the agenda?
Falls under the Operation Vulindlela phase 2 (from phase 1) agenda.
Goals
Streamlining application requirements to ease the administrative burden of visa applications (eg, Trusted Employer Scheme, e-visa and the proposed ETA).
Departments / Govt Institutions
Is it working?
No action yet
Actions
Limited information on government's progress
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime
Is it on the agenda?
Red tape reduction
Goals
The Red Tape Reduction (RTR) task team' is tasked to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures in the area of work permits and visa administration
Departments / Govt Institutions
Is it working?
No action yet
Actions
Limited information on government's progress
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime
Is it on the agenda?
Red tape reduction
Goals
The Red Tape Reduction (RTR) task team' is tasked to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures in the area of work permits and visa administration.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Is it working?
No action yet
Actions
Limited information on government's progress
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime
Is it on the agenda?
Red tape reduction
Goals
The Red Tape Reduction (RTR) task team is tasked to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures in the area of work permits and visa administration.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Is it working?
No action yet
Actions
Limited information on government's progress
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime
Is it on the agenda?
Red tape reduction
Goals
The Red Tape Reduction (RTR) task team is tasked to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures in the area of work permits and visa administration.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Is it working?
No action yet
Actions
Limited information on government's progress
Are there plans?
Forms part of the new visa regime
Is it on the agenda?
Red tape reduction
Goals
The Red Tape Reduction (RTR) task team is tasked to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures in the area of work permits and visa administration.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The Red Tape Reducation (RTR) task team, established to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures around work permits and visa administration, no longer exists as a stand-alone unit. The team, however, supported the implementation of recommendations from Operation Vulindlela (phase 1) working in this area. The outcomes included the publication of the Work Visa Review Report (2022) and the gazetting of regulations related to the remote work visa, Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) and a points-based system for work visas in 2024. This also includes the implementation and expansion of the e-visa system for tourists.
View DetailsIs it working?
Regulations and recommendations are already in place for the development of various visa system projects. Most visa system-related projects are still in development and are not yet operational.
Actions
Regulations are in place which target several key reforms aimed at reducing red tape in the visa system.
Are there plans?
• Outlined in the Work Visa Review Report (2022)
Is it on the agenda?
Yes, it falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 1 agenda towards reducing red tape in visa administration, particularly for work visas and enhancing tourism through easier visa access.
Goals
The Red Tape Reduction (RTR) task team, led by Sipho Nkosi in the Presidency was initially tasked to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures in the area of work permits and visa administration.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The Red Tape Reducation (RTR) task team, established to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures around work permits and visa administration, no longer exists as a stand-alone unit. The team, however, supported the implementation of recommendations from Operation Vulindlela (phase 1) working in this area. The outcomes included the publication of the Work Visa Review Report (2022) and the gazetting of regulations related to the remote work visa, Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) and a points-based system for work visas in 2024. This also includes the implementation and expansion of the e-visa system for tourists.
View DetailsIs it working?
Regulations and recommendations are already in place for the development of various visa system projects. Most visa system-related projects are still in development and are not yet operational.
Actions
Regulations are in place which target several key reforms aimed at reducing red tape in the visa system.
Are there plans?
• Outlined in the Work Visa Review Report (2022)
Is it on the agenda?
Yes, it falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 1 agenda towards reducing red tape in visa administration, particularly for work visas and enhancing tourism through easier visa access.
Goals
The Red Tape Reduction (RTR) task team, led by Sipho Nkosi in the Presidency was initially tasked to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures in the area of work permits and visa administration.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The Red Tape Reducation (RTR) task team, established to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures around work permits and visa administration, no longer exists as a standalone unit. The team, however, supported the implementation of recommendations from Operation Vulindlela (phase 1) working in this area. The outcomes included the publication of the Work Visa Review Report (2022) and the gazetting of regulations related to the remote work visa, Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) and a points-based system for work visas in 2024. This also includes the implementation and expansion of the e-visa system for tourists.
View DetailsIs it working?
Regulations and recommendations are already in place for the development of various visa system projects. Most visa system-related projects are still in development and are not yet operational.
Actions
Regulations are in place targeting several key reforms to reduce red tape in the visa system. However, as of December 2025, the government has yet to announce any new actions on this matter.
Are there plans?
Outlined in the Work Visa Review Report (2022)
Is it on the agenda?
Yes, it falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 1 agenda towards reducing red tape in visa administration, particularly for work visas and enhancing tourism through easier visa access.
Goals
The Red Tape Reduction (RTR) task team, led by Sipho Nkosi in the Presidency, was initially tasked to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures in the area of work permits and visa administration.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The Red Tape Reducation (RTR) task team, established to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures around work permits and visa administration, no longer exists as a standalone unit. The team, however, supported the implementation of recommendations from Operation Vulindlela (phase 1) working in this area. The outcomes included the publication of the Work Visa Review Report (2022) and the gazetting of regulations related to the remote work visa, Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) and a points-based system for work visas in 2024. This also includes the implementation and expansion of the e-visa system for tourists.
View DetailsIs it working?
Regulations and recommendations are already in place for the development of various visa system projects. Most visa system-related projects are still in development and are not yet operational.
Actions
Regulations are in place targeting several key reforms to reduce red tape in the visa system. However, as of December 2025, the government has yet to announce any new actions on this matter.
Are there plans?
Outlined in the Work Visa Review Report (2022)
Is it on the agenda?
Yes, it falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 1 agenda towards reducing red tape in visa administration, particularly for work visas and enhancing tourism through easier visa access.
Goals
The Red Tape Reduction (RTR) task team, led by Sipho Nkosi in the Presidency, was initially tasked to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures in the area of work permits and visa administration.
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The Red Tape Reduction (RTR) task team, established to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures around work permits and visa administration, no longer exists as a standalone unit. The team, however, supported the implementation of recommendations from Operation Vulindlela (phase 1) working in this area. The outcomes included the publication of the Work Visa Review Report (2022) and the gazetting of regulations related to the remote work visa, Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) and a points-based system for work visas in 2024. This also includes the implementation and expansion of the e-visa system for tourists.
While these areas are still developing, no progress updates were reported in the April 2026-June 2026 quarter.
Is it working?
Regulations and recommendations are already in place for the development of various visa system projects. Most visa system-related projects are still in development and are not yet operational.
Actions
Regulations are in place targeting several key reforms to reduce red tape in the visa system. However, as of December 2025, the government has yet to announce any new actions on this matter.
Are there plans?
Outlined in the Work Visa Review Report (2022)
Is it on the agenda?
Yes, it falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 1 agenda towards reducing red tape in visa administration, particularly for work visas and enhancing tourism through easier visa access.
Goals
The Red Tape Reduction (RTR) task team, led by Sipho Nkosi in the Presidency, was initially tasked to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures in the area of work permits and visa administration.
Departments / Govt Institutions
No data available for the deliverable: Trusted employer scheme
No data available for the deliverable: Trusted employer scheme
No data available for the deliverable: Trusted employer scheme
No data available for the deliverable: Trusted employer scheme
No data available for the deliverable: Trusted employer scheme
No data available for the deliverable: Trusted employer scheme
Summary
The Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) system is intended to reduce the administrative burden for companies when making visa applications for skilled foreign labour. Employers who meet the TES selection criteria must apply and be admitted to the TES to benefit from this streamlined process. TES employers are able to submit critical skills visas, intra-company transfers and general work visa applications online. The system is still in development. The DHA invited employers to submit an expression of interest in the TES in October 2023. The department has since selected successful qualifying companies from this process from a diverse set of sectors. The department approved more than 60 companies out of 108 applicants to the TES when it officially came into effect in March 2024. Another round of the TES is expected in the coming year/s
View DetailsIs it working?
TES is already in effect and making headway. To date, the department reports that a total of 68 companies have qualified for admission to the TES. The department is expected to sign memoranda of understanding with approved employers. Another invitation is expected in 2026.
Actions
The department established regulations for the TES development as well as invited companies to apply for the scheme.
Are there plans?
In effect; plans complete.
Is it on the agenda?
It was under the agenda of Operation Vulindlela during Phase 1. It is also now forms part of Phase 2. It also: • Forms part of the visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan • It is recommended in the Work Visa Review Report (2022) • The scheme forms part of the DHA's Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and the MTDP 2024-2029.
Goals
Develop and implement a system to vet and approve employers/companies in advance, allowing them to employ skilled foreign labour with a reduced administrative burden for visa applications.
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) system is intended to reduce the administrative burden for companies when making visa applications for skilled foreign labour. Employers who meet the TES selection criteria must apply and be admitted to the TES to benefit from this streamlined process. TES employers are able to submit critical skills visas, intra-company transfers and general work visa applications online. The system is still in development. The DHA invited employers to submit an expression of interest in the TES in October 2023. The department has since selected successful qualifying companies from this process from a diverse set of sectors. The department approved more than 60 companies out of 108 applicants to the TES when it officially came into effect in March 2024. Another round of the TES is expected in the coming year/s
View DetailsIs it working?
TES is already in effect and making headway. To date, the department reports that a total of 68 companies have qualified for admission to the TES. The department is expected to sign memoranda of understanding with approved employers. Another invitation is expected in 2026.
Actions
The department established regulations for the TES development as well as invited companies to apply for the scheme.
Are there plans?
In effect; plans complete.
Is it on the agenda?
It was under the agenda of Operation Vulindlela during Phase 1. It is also now forms part of Phase 2. It also: • Forms part of the visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan • It is recommended in the Work Visa Review Report (2022) • The scheme forms part of the DHA's Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and the MTDP 2024-2029.
Goals
Develop and implement a system to vet and approve employers/companies in advance, allowing them to employ skilled foreign labour with a reduced administrative burden for visa applications.
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) system is intended to reduce the administrative burden for companies when making visa applications for skilled foreign labour. Employers who meet the TES selection criteria must apply and be admitted to the TES to benefit from this streamlined process. TES employers are able to submit critical skills visas, intra-company transfers and general work visa applications online. The system is still in development. The DHA invited employers to submit an expression of interest in the TES in October 2023. The department has since selected successful qualifying companies from this process from a diverse set of sectors. The department approved more than 60 companies out of 108 applicants to the TES when it officially came into effect in March 2024. Another round of the TES is expected in the coming year/s
View DetailsIs it working?
TES is already in effect and making headway. To date, the department reports that a total of 68 companies have qualified for admission to the TES. The department is expected to sign memoranda of understanding with approved employers. Another invitation is expected in 2026.
Actions
The department established regulations for the TES development as well as invited companies to apply for the scheme.
Are there plans?
In effect; plans complete.
Is it on the agenda?
It was under the agenda of Operation Vulindlela during Phase 1. It is also now forms part of Phase 2. It also: • Forms part of the visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan • It is recommended in the Work Visa Review Report (2022) • The scheme forms part of the DHA's Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and the MTDP 2024-2029.
Goals
Develop and implement a system to vet and approve employers/companies in advance, allowing them to employ skilled foreign labour with a reduced administrative burden for visa applications.
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions
Summary
The Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) system is intended to reduce the administrative burden for companies when making visa applications for skilled foreign labour. Employers who meet the TES selection criteria must apply and be admitted to the TES to benefit from this streamlined process. TES employers are able to submit critical skills visas, intra-company transfers and general work visa applications online. The system is still in development. The DHA first invited employers to submit an expression of interest in the TES in October 2023. The department has since selected successful qualifying companies from this process from a diverse set of sectors. The department approved more than 60 companies out of 108 applicants to the TES when it officially came into effect in March 2024. Since July 2026, the department has opened another round of the TES, which runs until September 2026.
View DetailsIs it working?
TES is already in effect and making headway. To date, the department reports that a total of 68 companies have qualified for admission to the TES. The department is expected to sign memoranda of understanding with approved employers.
Actions
The department established regulations for the TES development as well as invited companies to apply for the scheme. On 20 July, the department launched the second phase of the TES, with expressions of interest open until 4 September 2026. Outcomes regarding the expressions of interest will be issued within 30 working days after the closing date.
Are there plans?
In effect; plans complete.
Is it on the agenda?
It was on Operation Vulindlela's Phase 1 agenda and now also forms part of Phase 2. It also forms part of the visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and is recommended in the Work Visa Review Report (2022). The scheme also forms part of the DHA's Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and the MTDP 2024-2029.
Goals
Develop and implement a system to vet and approve employers/companies in advance, allowing them to employ skilled foreign labour with a reduced administrative burden for visa applications.
Documents
References
Departments / Govt Institutions