Home Affairs approves 71 companies for fast-tracked visas in bid to boost investment and jobs - IOL

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says the department has approved 71 companies under its Trusted Employer Scheme to simplify visa processes and support investment and job creation in South Africa.

The Department of Home Affairs has approved 71 companies under the second phase of its Trusted Employer Scheme, in a move aimed at cutting bureaucratic delays, attracting foreign investment and making it easier for businesses to access critical international skills.

The announcement follows the conclusion of an assessment process that saw 138 companies apply to join the scheme, which offers qualifying employers simplified visa procedures, reduced paperwork and more predictable processing times.

The department said the initiative forms part of broader immigration reforms intended to stimulate economic growth while strengthening border security and preventing fraud.

The second phase of the Trusted Employer Scheme was launched on July 20, 2026, expanding eligibility to strategic infrastructure projects, regional and global headquarters, and qualifying financial institutions.

Of the 138 companies that submitted applications, 71 were approved, allowing them to benefit from streamlined immigration processes when recruiting foreign workers with critical skills.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the approvals marked another step towards transforming the department into an institution that actively supports economic development.

"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," Schreiber said.

"Cutting red tape and making it easier for businesses to access critical skills is essential to attracting investment, growing our economy and creating jobs for South Africans."

The department said the changes would help qualifying businesses navigate immigration requirements more efficiently, reducing administrative obstacles that could delay access to specialised expertise.

Schreiber said the Trusted Employer Scheme was part of a wider government strategy to modernise immigration services and make South Africa more attractive to international investors.

The reforms also include the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which seeks to replace cumbersome manual immigration processes with digital alternatives.

"Together with the expansion of our Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, the Trusted Employer Scheme forms part of our broader reforms to build a fundamentally different immigration system that serves South Africa’s interests," Schreiber said.

He maintained that improving immigration efficiency did not have to come at the expense of national security.

"We are demonstrating that stronger immigration security and economic growth can, and must, go hand in hand."

The department believes the combination of simplified visa applications and stronger immigration controls will create a more predictable environment for businesses seeking to invest and operate in South Africa.

Beyond reducing administrative delays, Home Affairs is also pushing ahead with digital reforms aimed at tackling fraud, strengthening identity verification and preventing abuse of the immigration system.

Schreiber said replacing outdated manual procedures with secure digital systems and biometric verification would help close vulnerabilities while improving access for legitimate applicants.

"The ETA and our broader digital reforms are fundamentally transforming how South Africa manages immigration. By replacing manual processes with secure digital systems and biometric verification, we are closing the loopholes that enable fraud and abuse," he said.

"At the same time, we are making it easier for legitimate investors and people with critical skills to contribute to our economy."

Schreiber said the government's objective was to establish an immigration system that balanced security with economic opportunity.

"Our vision is clear: an immigration system that is harder to abuse, but easier to access for those who contribute to South Africa’s growth and prosperity."