South Africa: Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II Launched; Expressions of Interest Open

The situation 

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has launched Phase II of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) inviting eligible corporate employers to submit an expression of interest. Phase II introduces two additional pathways, each with its own scorecard and eligibility criteria, while updating the existing South African-based operations pathway selection criteria and scoring framework. 

A closer look 

• • Two additional pathways introduced.  Phase II expands the Trusted Employer Scheme by introducing two additional pathways while retaining the existing South African-based operations pathway. The two new pathways are for: 
    • • Companies with existing or intention to establish regional or head offices in South Africa; and 
      • Certain financial sector entities operating as Synthetic Financial Centers. 

Applicants must apply under one pathway and achieve a minimum score of 80 points to be considered for participation in the scheme. 

• • Expression of Interest must be submitted online. Eligible employers, investors and business entities operating in South Africa must submit an online Expression of Interest through the DHA Trusted Employer Scheme portal by September 4, 2026. Applications will be assessed by an interdepartmental committee, and applicants will be notified of the outcome within 30 business days after the closing date. 
  • Selection criteria updated for South African-based operations pathway. The South African-based operations pathway introduced during the pilot phase has been retained under Phase II with revised selection criteria and an updated scorecard. Specifically, the 'Equity Equivalence' criterion has been removed, whereas it formed part of the pilot phase selection criteria. Additionally, the points allocated to the 'Economic Sector' criterion have increased to 25, compared to 15 under the pilot phase. 

Impact 

Phase II broadens access to the Trusted Employer Scheme by extending eligibility to additional categories of employers, including companies with regional or global headquarters, infrastructure companies and certain financial sector entities. Approved members may benefit from expedited immigration processing and reduced documentary requirements for qualifying foreign national employees. 

Background 

The DHA introduced the Trusted Employer Scheme as a pilot initiative in 2024 to facilitate the recruitment of highly skilled foreign nationals by selected employers while supporting investment and economic growth. Out of 108 applications received in the pilot phase, 65 companies have been approved to participate in the pilot program over a five-year period.  

Following what the DHA describes as a successful first phase, Phase II accommodates other categories of employers while maintaining the scheme's objective of streamlining work visa processing for participating employers. 

Looking ahead 

Fragomen will continue to monitor implementation of Phase II and provide updates as additional guidance becomes available.  

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.