22 July 2026 South Africa launches phase two of the Trusted Employer Scheme As part of its efforts to attract skilled talent and streamline immigration processes, South Africa has launched phase two of the Trusted Employer Scheme. On 20 July 2026, the Department of Home Affairs opened expressions of interest for admission to the scheme, inviting qualifying employers to apply. Phase two broadens the scheme’s scope to include infrastructure projects, companies operating or establishing regional or global headquarters in South Africa, and qualifying financial sector entities under the Synthetic Financial Centre pathway. Expressions of interest are open from 20 July 2026 to 4 September 2026. Application outcomes are expected to be issued within 30 working days after the closing date. Qualifying employers may benefit from priority visa processing and reduced documentary requirements. Applicants must apply under a single pathway and achieve a minimum score of 80 points. A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services, and attached below, provides additional details. Document ID: 2026-1574 |
