South Africa: Work Visa System Reform Measures 

Key Points  

•  South Africa will reform its immigration work visa system to attract further investment in the country 

Overview  

The government of South Africa will reform its immigration work visa system to attract further investment in the country. These reform measures include:  

• Decentralizing the adjudication process for visa applications to foreign missions. Currently, visas are processed at one centralized government office. 
• Streamlining work visa application requirements and reducing timeframes for obtaining work visas.  
• Introducing a Trusted Employer Scheme for qualified companies and establishing a points-based system that will provide more flexible pathways for skilled foreign nationals.  
• Applicants for the Trusted Employer Scheme will be required to provide proof of financial ability to employ a foreign national employee and commit to investing in training programs for South African employees. 
• Formally introducing remote work visas and a new visa aimed at attracting entrepreneurs to the country.  
• Expanding the country’s e-Visa system. The updated version will include an additional 20 countries and cover new visa categories, such as study, business and intra-company transfer visas. 

What are the Changes?  

The government of South Africa announced measures to reform its immigration system to attract highly skilled foreign national employees better, reduce application wait times and upskill South African workers.  

Looking Ahead  

The government is expected to publish further information on the implementation of these reform measures in the coming weeks. Continue to check the government of South Africa’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.