Webinar
Trusted Employer Scheme:
Unlocking the Benefits of the Second Round
Following the opening of the second round of Trusted Employer Scheme applications on Monday, 20 July 2026, many organisations are assessing whether they meet the revised qualification criteria and how the programme can support their long-term talent mobility strategy.
Join Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, and Manfred Barnard, Senior Immigration Consultant and Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) Lead, on Thursday, 20 August 2026 at 11:00 for an executive briefing on the application process, key qualification criteria and the strategic benefits of participating in the second round of the Trusted Employer Scheme.
Drawing on Xpatweb’s experience assisting employers with first-round applications, they will unpack the revised qualification criteria and explain the practical implications for participating organisations.
Date
20 August 2026
Time:
11:00 (SA Time)
Fee:
Complimentary
Platform:
ZOOM
The Honourable Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, delivered the Keynote Address at our offices in Bryanston on 21 July, just one day after the Trusted Employer Scheme reopened, and highlighted the significant benefits of the Scheme, encouraging eligible companies to take advantage of this second round.
The webinar will also explore the current benefits available to Trusted Employers, future enhancements to the programme, including the planned expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, and the key considerations organisations should take into account when preparing their applications.
Key discussion points
- Revised Qualification Criteria and Eligibility Considerations
- Current Benefits of the Trusted Employer Scheme
- Future Benefits and the ETA Roadmap
- Strategic Implications for Employers and Talent Mobility
- Compliance Considerations and Ongoing Employer Responsibilities
Who Should Join?
Multinational Corporate Companies
Companies with significant investment
into South Africa and expats
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Meet The Speakers
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 the Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) appointed representative on the Minister of Home Affairs’ Immigration Advisory Board (IAB), which was formally re-established on 01 April 2025. 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.
Manfred Barnard
Senior Immigration Consultant and
Trusted Employer Scheme Lead
Manfred Barnard serves as a Senior Immigration Consultant. With extensive experience in South African immigration law and compliance, he advises corporate and private clients on complex visa and permanent residence matters.
Manfred has particular expertise in the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), assisting leading multinational and South African employers with assessing their eligibility, preparing comprehensive applications and leveraging TES membership to facilitate the efficient mobility of foreign national employees.