10 Key Considerations
for Employers from the Draft White Paper on Citizenship & Immigration
Key Takeaways for Employers: South Africa’s Draft White Paper on Citizenship & Immigration in Collaboration with Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
On 12 December 2025, the Department of Home Affairs published the Draft White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection for public comment, signalling one of the most significant overhauls of South Africa’s migration framework in decades.
EVENT DETAILS
DATE & TIME
Date: Tuesday, 04 February 2026
Time: 10:30 – 12:00 (SA Time)
EVENT FEE
Complimentary
SPEAKER
Marisa Jacobs
Managing Director at Xpatweb
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The document introduces major policy shifts aimed at reshaping how the country manages skills attraction, investment migration, global mobility, and long‑term residence pathways, reflecting a more modern, digitised and economically aligned approach to immigration governance. Analysts describe the reforms as a “generational shift” and a decisive break from older, fragmented policy models.
For employers, multinational groups, and foreign nationals living in South Africa, understanding these changes is essential. The proposals directly influence talent planning, compliance responsibilities, hiring strategies, and long‑term investment decisions as the regulatory environment moves toward points‑based pathways, streamlined visa categories, enhanced digital systems, and a more selective approach to permanent residence.
This webinar will provide a practical, employer-focused briefing on the key implications of the White Paper, focusing on what matters for business, where risks remain, and how companies can prepare proactively in an evolving regulatory environment.
Key Topics
- Proposed changes to Relative and Section 11(6) Visas
- Tax Considerations
- Proposed introduction of an Appeal, waiver, exemption authority
- Regional Migrant Temporary Resident Visa
- Proposed introduction of fines for overstayers
- Digitisation Focus by the Department of Home Affairs
- Draft White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection
- Proposed changes to Permanent Residence Permits
- Proposed changes to Critical Skills and General Work Visas
- Proposed introduction of Work Authorisation for spouses
- Proposed Changes to Corporate Visa
Who Should Join?
Human Resources & Talent Acquisition
Global Mobility & Expat Management
Legal, Compliance & Governance
Finance, Planning & Corporate Strategy
Business Unit Heads hiring scarce or foreign skills
Meet The Speaker
Marisa Jacobs
Managing Director at Xpatweb & Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) Member appointed by the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Representing Organised Business
Marisa Jacobs is the Managing Director at Xpatweb, the premium immigration practice in South Africa. Recognised as an industry specialist in all work visa categories, Marisa’s Critical Skills Survey was instrumental in validating the 2021 Critical Skills List. She is appointed as the voice of organised business on the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB). Her role within the IAB includes engaging with key stakeholders across the private sector to ensure that business perspectives are meaningfully incorporated into the Board’s deliberations.
She also serves on BUSA and NEDLAC, while actively overseeing the practice on a day-to-day basis. With extensive experience in expatriate management, Marisa’s expertise extends beyond work visas. She pioneered the development of the Immigration Tracker, now widely adopted by South Africa’s largest expatriate employers.
Marisa’s solution-based methodologies include managing confidential payrolls for various expatriate groups, navigating SARS tax directives and rulings, securing Reserve Bank clearances for expatriates, and providing optimal banking solutions. Her profound passion for work visa matters is evident through her daily interactions with senior immigration officials and executives worldwide.
