Work visa process reform

The new visa system is expected to be implemented in the second half of 2024

September 15, 2025

Trusted employer scheme

The Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) system is intended to reduce the administrative burden for companies when making visa applications for skilled foreign labout. 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…

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Removal of red tape

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…

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Process stream lining

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.

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New visa categories

New visa categories such as the remote working or digital nomad visa are yet to be launched. However, the associated immigration policy document has been published/gazetted (Second Amendment Immigration Regulations in May 2024).

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