Critical Skills

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, has described the expanded Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) as the latest milestone in the Department of Home Affairs’ quest to become an economic enabler in South Africa.

Government has officially opened the long-awaited second window for corporate employers seeking to become part of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), expanding the programme to create a faster, more predictable pathway for companies seeking to bring critical international skills into the country.

On 8 July 2026, the Minister of Home Affairs moved to provide welcome relief for temporary residence visa and permanent residence permit applicants by waiving the requirement to submit a medical report with their applications.

As South Africa updates its National Critical Skills List to accurately reflect the scarce skills that businesses struggle to recruit locally, employers are being urged to contribute their skills shortage data early, rather than waiting until a draft list is published for public comment.

On 8 July 2026, the Minister of Home Affairs moved to provide welcome relief for Temporary Residence Visa and Permanent Residence Permit applicants by waiving the requirement to submit a medical report with their applications.