South Africa has unveiled the second phase of its Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), introducing fresh measures that require businesses to prioritise employing South African citizens and permanent residents before recruiting foreign workers.
The Department of Home Affairs announced the new phase through an official gazette, saying the initiative is designed to modernise the country’s immigration system, attract investment, stimulate economic growth and create more jobs for locals.
According to the department, the scheme targets companies involved in major infrastructure projects as well as businesses establishing regional or global headquarters in South Africa.
The government explained that the programme would make it easier for approved employers to recruit specialised foreign talent while ensuring employment opportunities remain focused on South Africans.
The latest move comes amid growing public anger over unemployment, with recent protests across the country accusing undocumented migrants of taking jobs meant for citizens. The demonstrations also prompted some countries to evacuate their nationals over security concerns.
Under the new framework, only employers accredited through the Trusted Employer Scheme will be eligible to recruit foreign workers.
“To qualify, companies must demonstrate meaningful investment for South Africa, employ mostly South African citizens or permanent residents, invest in skills development and operate in priority sectors.”
The gazette also states that interested companies must first apply to join the programme, while the Department of Home Affairs retains the authority to approve or reject applications.
“Department of Home Affairs go make di final selection, and di applicants go dey advised of di outcome.”
Successful applicants will be required to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the department before becoming accredited employers.
As part of the qualification criteria, businesses must ensure that at least 60 per cent of their workforce consists of South African citizens or permanent residents.
“At least 60 per cent of the staff complement are South African citizens or permanent residents.”
The Department of Home Affairs has already invited corporate organisations to begin submitting applications for the scheme.
Authorities clarified that the programme is not intended for low-wage labour or unskilled workers but is aimed at employers seeking skilled professionals, senior executives, technical experts, corporate employees and investors.
According to the document signed by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, the expanded second phase of TES will cover infrastructure projects and companies managing regional or global headquarters from South Africa.
“The overarching objective of TES Phase II is to support the government efforts to position South Africa as di ogbonge investment destination for Africa.”
The government said the expansion followed the success of the first phase of the programme.
To qualify, employers must demonstrate financial stability, prove the need to employ foreign nationals, provide training opportunities for South African citizens and maintain a strong corporate governance record.
Approved companies will also enjoy faster visa processing and reduced documentation requirements when applying for permits for eligible foreign employees.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration to tackle unemployment, an issue that has fuelled growing public frustration and anti-immigrant protests across South Africa.
