
Countries / Territories
- 🌐
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
Does your company require key foreign national employees in South Africa because they have a special skill set obtained with the company abroad that is not available in the Republic such as a managerial role or proprietary knowledge of company processes and procedures? If yes, then your company may be eligible to temporarily second that employee to South Africa for up to four (4) years under the Intra Company Transfer (ICT) Work Visa immigration category.
Eligibility Criteria for Intra Company Transfer (ICT) Work Visa
A foreign national employee may apply for a temporary ICT work visa if he or she has been employed by a company overseas for at least six months and is being transferred to work at a subsidiary, branch or affiliate of that company in the Republic. A new key requirement of this secondment is that the foreign employee must have the intention of transferring his or her skills to a South African citizen or permanent resident. While there are other key eligibility requirements that also need to be met by the foreign employee, the upskilling of his or her local colleagues in the Republic will be mandatory.
Based on changes to the Immigration Regulations implemented on 26 May 2014, a critical element of this visa category is the transference of skills from the foreign national to the local labour force. This knowledge transfer needs to be documented, followed and have specific South African employees identified as recipients of the knowledge and/or skills. Unless the company can prove using a skills transfer plan that the expertise needed for the specific role the foreign employee is intended to fill will be transferred to a South African employee, the visa will not be granted.
At the heart of South African immigration policy
South Africa is not alone in this endeavour. Like other Sub-Saharan African countries such as Gabon, Kenya, Angola, and Nigeria, at the heart of South African immigration policy is the need to protect and upgrade the skills of the local work force. While there is little enforcement now in South Africa, the government has made a conscious decision to attract highly skilled global workers by forcing multinational companies to upskill South African workers. Future enforcement is likely.
With continued high unemployment and the socioeconomic obligation to focus on training, there is no cost to the government or to the country by requiring multinational companies to upskill South African workers. If the plans are followed and documented for the local workers, the benefits to the multinational company and the Republic are higher skilled, better-trained employees that can contribute to the economy and provide greater employment opportunities for others.
Learn more about our practice in Africa, or reach us at [email protected].
Countries / Territories
- 🌐
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen

Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.

Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Awards
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Blog post
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.

Awards
Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.

Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.

Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Awards
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Blog post
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.

Awards
Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.