Spousal Work Rights in South Africa:
From Policy Shift to Practical Impact
Join Xpatweb, specialists in immigration and global mobility, together with the Permits Foundation, an international organisation advancing work rights for accompanying spouses, for an essential webinar unpacking the real‑world impact of South Africa’s expanded spousal work rights, and what employers must do now to stay ahead on talent strategy and compliance.
With Parliament’s approval of the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, one of the most anticipated developments has finally moved closer to reality: expanded work authorisation opportunities for spouses of skilled visa holders.
But what does this really mean in practice?
Who qualifies — and who does not?
What should employers be doing now to prepare?
DATE:
27 May 2026
TIME:
10:00 – 11:00
(SA Time)
PLATFORM:
ZOOM
FEE:
COMPLIMENTARY
Why This Webinar Matters
For the first time, South Africa is formally recognising that dual‑career families are critical to global talent mobility, but the implementation is nuanced, and the risks of misunderstanding are real.
This session will provide clear, practical guidance on the following:
- How spousal work authorisation will operate under the points based system
- Which spouses are included and which are not
- What “relaxed requirements” really mean in practice
- How South Africa compares to global best practice, where spousal work authorisation is often automatic
- Key considerations for employers sponsoring skilled foreign nationals
Who Should Join?
HR and Talent Acquisition leaders
Employers of foreign nationals
Business leaders managing international talent
Anyone supporting skilled talent and their families in South Africa
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Meet Our Speakers
Marisa Jacobs
Managing Director – Xpatweb and Immigration Advisory Board member representing Organised Business
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Marisa Jacobs is the Managing Director at Xpatweb, the premium work visa and 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 was recently appointed as the voice of organised business on the Minister of the Department of Home Affairs’ 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.
Helen Frew
Executive Director – Permits Foundation, a global organisation dedicated to improving access to work for spouses and partners of internationally mobile employees
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Helen Frew has over 20 years of international advocacy experience spent in the UK, Brussels and The Hague. Much of her career has involved working within member organisations, representing organisations and companies from the public and private spheres, developing advocacy strategy and bringing evidence-based recommendations to government. As Director of Permits Foundation, Helen is responsible for the overall strategy and global advocacy activities. Though Helen joined Permits Foundation in 2017, her connection dates back to 2010 when she consulted on the Foundation’s successful campaign to insert a clause enabling family employment access into the EU wide intra-corporate transferee Directive.