Home Affairs launches digitalised Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II
Home Affairs launches digitalised Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II as the Department of Home Affairs takes another major step towards modernising South Africa’s immigration system. The new phase aims to reduce administrative red tape, attract greater investment, support strategic industries and contribute to long-term job creation through a faster, more efficient visa application process for qualifying employers.
The launch of TES Phase II follows the success of the first phase and forms part of the department’s broader strategy to build a digital-first immigration system that supports economic growth while maintaining strong immigration controls.
The Department of Home Affairs officially gazetted the second phase of the Trusted Employer Scheme on 20 July 2026, inviting qualifying businesses to submit expressions of interest before the closing date of 4 September 2026.
Home Affairs Trusted Employer Scheme expands under Phase II
The expanded Home Affairs Trusted Employer Scheme now includes a broader range of qualifying organisations than before.
Under TES Phase II, the programme will now be open to:
- Companies involved in strategic infrastructure projects.
- Businesses establishing regional headquarters in South Africa.
- Companies setting up global headquarters in the country.
- Qualifying financial sector institutions.
- Other businesses operating within priority economic sectors.
Government believes expanding the scheme will encourage more international businesses to establish operations in South Africa while helping local employers recruit highly skilled foreign professionals where critical skills shortages exist.
The Department says the programme remains focused on balancing economic development with responsible immigration management.
TES Phase II supports South Africa investment and jobs
One of the main objectives of TES Phase II is strengthening South Africa investment and jobs by making it easier for accredited employers to recruit specialised international talent.
Government believes reducing unnecessary delays in visa processing can improve investor confidence and encourage businesses to expand operations within South Africa.
Companies participating in the programme must demonstrate that they:
- Make meaningful investments in South Africa.
- Employ predominantly South African citizens or permanent residents.
- Invest in employee skills development.
- Operate in sectors considered strategically important to the country’s economy.
Officials say these requirements ensure that the programme benefits both employers and South African workers while supporting national economic priorities.
Digital immigration system forms part of wider reforms
The launch of the new digital immigration system is another milestone in the Department of Home Affairs’ broader digital transformation programme.
TES Phase II introduces a dedicated online application portal that will eventually become fully integrated into South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform.
The ETA system is expected to modernise immigration administration by digitising visa applications and reducing paperwork.
According to Home Affairs, integrating TES into the ETA platform will provide:
- Faster application processing.
- Greater transparency.
- Improved security.
- Better risk management.
- More efficient service delivery.
The department says digital technology will allow officials to process applications more efficiently while maintaining the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system.
Leon Schreiber highlights economic benefits
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber described the launch as another important step in transforming the department into an institution that supports economic growth rather than creating administrative obstacles.
Schreiber said Home Affairs increasingly serves as an economic enabler by making it easier for businesses to access critical skills needed for investment and expansion.
According to the minister, the programme directly supports one of the Government of National Unity’s primary objectives of growing South Africa’s economy and creating employment opportunities.
He also highlighted the department’s ongoing commitment to building a modern digital immigration system that positions South Africa as a globally competitive investment destination.
Schreiber explained that the secure online portal forms part of the department’s wider “Home Affairs @ Home” vision, which aims to provide digital services that improve efficiency while making government more accessible.
Risk-based approach simplifies visa applications
The Home Affairs Trusted Employer Scheme uses a risk-based assessment model to simplify visa applications for accredited employers.
Instead of processing every employer through the same lengthy procedures, the department identifies trusted organisations that meet specific standards.
This allows qualifying companies to recruit foreign professionals with critical skills more quickly while ensuring immigration controls remain effective.
Officials believe the system will help South African businesses compete internationally by reducing delays associated with hiring specialised talent.
The programme also seeks to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy without compromising immigration security.
Transparent application process for TES Phase II
Applications submitted under TES Phase II will undergo independent assessment by an interdepartmental committee.
According to Home Affairs, this process ensures applications are evaluated fairly, transparently and based on objective criteria.
The committee will assess whether companies satisfy the programme’s investment, employment and operational requirements before granting Trusted Employer status.
Government says this merit-based process strengthens public confidence while ensuring only qualifying businesses receive the programme’s benefits.
Expressions of interest officially opened on 20 July 2026 and will remain open until 4 September 2026.
Why the Trusted Employer Scheme matters
South Africa continues to compete globally for investment, skilled professionals and multinational companies.
Business leaders have often identified lengthy immigration processes as one of the obstacles affecting competitiveness.
Government believes the expanded Trusted Employer Scheme addresses these concerns by improving efficiency while supporting economic growth.
Potential benefits include:
- Faster recruitment of scarce skills.
- Increased foreign direct investment.
- Expansion of regional headquarters.
- Greater employment opportunities.
- Improved international competitiveness.
The programme also complements broader government efforts to modernise public services through digital technology.
Building a digital-first Home Affairs
The launch of Home Affairs launches digitalised Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II demonstrates the department’s commitment to modern public administration.
As more government services move online, Home Affairs aims to reduce paperwork, improve processing times and strengthen service delivery for businesses and individuals alike.
Officials believe the digital transformation will position South Africa’s immigration system among the most advanced globally while supporting economic development.
The future integration of TES into the Electronic Travel Authorisation platform is expected to further simplify immigration procedures for trusted employers and international investors.
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Looking ahead
With expressions of interest now open, qualifying businesses have an opportunity to participate in a programme designed to reduce administrative barriers and accelerate investment decisions.
The success of TES Phase II will likely play an important role in shaping South Africa’s future immigration reforms, particularly as government continues pursuing policies aimed at economic growth, digital transformation and job creation.
By expanding the Home Affairs Trusted Employer Scheme, government hopes to create an immigration system that supports business competitiveness while protecting national interests.
As South Africa works to attract investment in strategic sectors, the launch of Home Affairs launches digitalised Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II signals another step towards building a faster, smarter and more investment-friendly immigration system capable of supporting sustainable economic growth for years to come.
References from mainstream media
- South African Government News Agency (SAnews) – Home Affairs launches digitalised Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II
https://www.sanews.gov.za/ - Department of Home Affairs (Official) – Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II Government Gazette
https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/notices/2066-gazette-no-55036 - BusinessTech – Coverage of South Africa’s Trusted Employer Scheme and immigration reforms
https://businesstech.co.za/ - News24 – South African immigration, visa and Home Affairs developments
https://www.news24.com/ - Business Day – Analysis of South Africa’s immigration reforms and investment policies
https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/
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