Home Affairs Makes Good on Its Promise with Online Platform to Restore Unconstitutionally Lost SA Citizenship
28/11/2025
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is the bearer of
The Benefits of
the
Trusted Employer Scheme (TES)
South Africa’s work visa system has historically faced systemic challenges, prompting the Department of Home Affairs to introduce the Trusted Employer Scheme in 2023. This scheme aims to streamline visa processes for qualifying employers who demonstrate commitment to local workforce development and compliance with regulatory standards.
Points Based System as the Selection Criteria
A minimum of 80 points is required to qualify for the Scheme.
The Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) plays a vital role in creating a more efficient and streamlined process for recruiting foreign talent in South Africa. It represents a significant positive initiative by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to enhance visa processing times and reduce administrative hurdles for employers.
Pledges / Proven Investment 30 Points
Employment 25 points
Sector 15 points
Skills Transfer / Development 20 Points
Equity Equivalence 10 Points
TOTAL 100 Points
Benefits of the Trusted Employer Scheme
Critical Skills Work Visa
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) now allows Critical Skills Work Visa submissions without requiring immediate SAQA verification and Professional Body registration.
This change significantly speeds up the visa application process, enabling skilled professionals to apply more quickly.
Important: Although these documents are not required upfront, applicants must still obtain and retain them for any future requests from the DHA during the visa processing or after approval.
Intra Company Transfer Work Visa
The requirement to submit a Skills Transfer Plan has been waived for Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa applications.
While this may seem like a minor change, it significantly reduces the documentation burden for applicants.
This exemption applies when the company already has a Graduate Development Program in place, ensuring skills development without the need for an additional transfer plan.
General Work Visa
Applicants can now submit their General Work Visa applications under the TES framework exempt from the Points-Based System (PBS).
This exemption removes the need to score points or meet PBS threshold criteria, significantly simplifying and accelerating the visa process.
This results in a streamlined, predictable, and expedited pathway for employers needing to mobilise skills quickly.
Family
The improved processing times and streamlined document requirements for Work Visas applications will now also apply to the family members of primary applicants.
This means dependents can benefit from faster visa approvals and simplified documentation procedures, making it easier for skilled professionals and their families to relocate to South Africa together.
Processing times
Applications submitted at the Department of Home Affairs Head Office will be finalised within 5 to 10 business days.
Similarly, applications lodged at South African foreign missions will also be processed and finalised within the same 5 to 10-day timeframe.
This expedited turnaround significantly improves the overall visa application experience for skilled professionals.
Permanent Residency
All Permanent Residency (PR) applications that meet the full document requirements will be processed within a streamlined timeframe of 8 months , ensuring faster and more predictable outcomes for applicants.
Trusted Employer Scheme Round 2:
Expected Expanded Benefits
Centralised Adjudication
TES applications will no longer be submitted or adjudicated through foreign missions abroad. All submissions are processed exclusively through DHA Head Office, via the newly introduced Digital TES Platform, eliminating inconsistent embassy outcomes and significantly accelerating turnaround times.
New Digital TES Platform
TES applicants and sponsoring employers will now benefit from a fully digital, end-to-end TES management system. The digital upgrade provides a modernised user experience that reduces manual delays and significantly improves adjudication accuracy.
WATCH OUR ON-DEMAND PODCAST
Featuring Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, and Mr. Phindiwe Mbhele, Director of Corporate Accounts at the Department of Home Affairs, South Africa.Â
Join us as we explore the latest updates, insights, and expert advice on navigating South Africa’s work visa landscape. Don’t miss this exclusive conversation with key industry leaders!Â
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES)?
TES is a fast-track immigration facilitation program by the Department of Home Affairs that allows approved employers to recruit and employ foreign nationals more efficiently and with fewer delays.
2. Who qualifies as a Trusted Employer under TES?
Employers who meet certain criteria such as good compliance history, being registered with the Department of Home Affairs, and having a proven track record of employing foreign workers lawfully.
3. What are the benefits of being a Trusted Employer?
- Faster processing of work visa applications
- Reduced documentation requirements
- Priority service at Visa Facilitation Centres
- Ability to employ foreign nationals in scarce and critical skills positions more easily
4. How does an employer apply for TES status?
Employers must submit an application to the Department of Home Affairs demonstrating compliance, operational legitimacy, and need for foreign workers. This includes documentation about the business and its workforce.
5. Is TES available to all sectors or industries?
TES primarily targets sectors with critical skills shortages, such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance, but other sectors can apply if they meet the criteria.
6. What types of visas can TES employers apply for?
TES allows for quicker processing of general work visas, critical skills visas, and sometimes intra-company transfer visas for foreign employees.
7. Are there ongoing compliance requirements for TES employers?
Yes. Trusted Employers must maintain good labor practices, comply with immigration laws, and submit regular reports to the Department of Home Affairs.
8. Can employees of TES employers extend or renew their visas more easily?
Yes, employees working under TES employers typically benefit from faster visa extensions and renewals due to the employer’s trusted status.
9. What happens if a TES employer violates the scheme’s rules?
The Department of Home Affairs can revoke TES status, impose fines, or bar the employer from employing foreign nationals in the future.
10. Where can I get assistance with TES applications?
Specialist immigration lawyers or consultants experienced with the TES process can assist employers with applications, compliance, and managing foreign workforce requirements.
Contact us to assist with your TES application
Media Moments
LATEST NEWS
SARS Keeps Their Eyes on All Travellers Entering and Leaving South Africa – What You Need to Know
26/11/2025
Ahead of the peak holiday season, the South African Revenue