The Trusted Employer Scheme Phase 2, introduced by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), significantly expands access to the programme and introduces a fully digital application process, says immigration consulting firm IBN Immigration Solutions Africa and Europe senior director Andreas Krensel.
An important change is that Phase 2 no longer follows a single assessment model. Instead, qualifying businesses can now apply under one of three dedicated scorecard pathways, which recognise that different types of organisations contribute to South Africa’s economy in different ways.
The expansion of the Trusted Employer Scheme demonstrates a clear shift towards a more risk-based approach to corporate immigration, he says.
Rather than applying identical procedures to every employer, the DHA is recognising organisations that have already demonstrated strong compliance, meaningful investment and a commitment to developing South African skills.
This allows immigration officials to focus greater attention on higher-risk applications while providing a more efficient service to trusted businesses, says Krensel.
