Home Affairs approves 71 companies under Trusted Employer Scheme to boost investment and jobs

The Department of Home Affairs has approved 71 companies to participate in the second phase of the Trusted Employer Scheme, as government steps up efforts to attract investment and address critical skills shortages.

The approvals follow the launch of Phase II on 20 July 2026, which expanded the scheme to include strategic infrastructure projects, regional and global headquarters and qualifying financial institutions.

According to the department, 138 companies applied to participate in the latest phase, with 71 successfully completing the assessment process.

The successful companies will benefit from simplified visa procedures, reduced administrative requirements and more predictable processing times.

The measures are intended to help businesses recruit international workers with skills that are in demand in South Africa while reducing delays associated with existing immigration processes.

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said the expansion was part of efforts to reposition the department as an enabler of economic growth.

“With 71 more companies now part of the Trusted Employer Scheme, we are taking another important step towards positioning Home Affairs as an enabler of economic growth,” said the minister.

He said reducing red tape and improving access to critical skills were important to attracting investment, expanding the economy and creating employment opportunities for South Africans.

The Trusted Employer Scheme forms part of wider immigration reforms being implemented by the department, alongside the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.

The department said these reforms are designed to create an immigration system that combines stronger security measures with easier access for legitimate investors and skilled workers.

Home Affairs said the move towards digital systems, biometric verification and electronic processes would help replace manual procedures while closing loopholes that could be exploited for fraud and abuse.

The department said its broader objective was to develop an immigration system that is more secure while remaining accessible to businesses and individuals who contribute to South Africa's economic development.

Minister Schreiber said the reforms demonstrate that immigration security and economic growth can be pursued simultaneously.

The latest approvals are expected to give participating companies greater certainty when recruiting international talent and support government’s efforts to position South Africa as an attractive destination for investment and skills.p