South Africa Launches New Employer Scheme Prioritizing Citizens and Permanent Residents for Jobs

The South African government has introduced the second phase of its Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), a new immigration and employment initiative that requires accredited employers to prioritize hiring South African citizens and permanent residents while continuing to attract skilled foreign professionals needed for economic growth.

The Department of Home Affairs announced the expansion of the program as part of broader efforts to modernize the country’s immigration system, encourage investment, support infrastructure development and create more employment opportunities for South Africans.

Under the new framework, companies seeking membership in the Trusted Employer Scheme must demonstrate a strong commitment to the South African economy. One of the key requirements is that at least 60 per cent of their workforce must consist of South African citizens or permanent residents.

The government said only accredited employers will be allowed to recruit skilled foreign workers through the program. Businesses must also show meaningful investment in South Africa, operate within priority economic sectors, maintain sound financial standing and invest in training and skills development for local employees.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the second phase of the scheme will include companies involved in major infrastructure projects as well as businesses establishing regional or global headquarters in South Africa. The program is designed to make it easier for these organizations to recruit senior executives, technical specialists, corporate professionals and investors where specialized skills are required.

Officials stressed that the initiative is intended to improve the efficiency of visa processing for qualified employers while ensuring that South Africans remain the primary beneficiaries of employment opportunities. Businesses accepted into the program will receive priority processing for eligible work visa applications and benefit from simplified documentation requirements.

Companies interested in joining the Trusted Employer Scheme must first submit an application to the Department of Home Affairs. The department will evaluate each application and retains the authority to approve or reject membership. Successful applicants will be required to sign a formal Memorandum of Agreement with the government before participating in the program.

The department also clarified that the scheme is not intended for low-wage labour recruitment or for individuals without specialized skills. Instead, it is focused on attracting highly skilled professionals who can contribute to economic development while supporting investment and business expansion in South Africa.

The launch of the expanded scheme comes as South Africa continues to face high unemployment, with many citizens expressing concerns that foreign nationals are competing for limited job opportunities. Recent anti-immigration protests have taken place in several parts of the country, with demonstrators calling for stronger enforcement against illegal migration and greater employment opportunities for local residents.

The unrest has also prompted some foreign governments to advise or assist their citizens amid growing concerns over xenophobic tensions. President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously pledged to strengthen measures against illegal immigration while maintaining an immigration system that supports economic development and lawful employment.

Government officials believe the Trusted Employer Scheme will help strike a balance between attracting international investment and ensuring that South African citizens remain at the centre of the country’s labour market. They say the initiative builds on the success of the program’s first phase and supports South Africa’s long-term goal of becoming one of Africa’s leading destinations for business investment.

The Department of Home Affairs has now invited eligible companies across the country to apply for participation in the second phase of the Trusted Employer Scheme, describing it as an important step toward improving immigration management, strengthening the economy and creating sustainable employment opportunities for South Africans.