Marisa Jacobs, the Managing Director of Xpatweb, tells the OFM Business Hour that the 20 November 2023 deadline may give businesses the false impression that there is ample time, however, it’s better to work on the application early.

This is because there is quite a bit of documentation that needs to be submitted – an extensive motivation, evidence of investment into the country, and staff statistics, amongst other requirements. She warns all of these can take some time, particularly for larger organisations.

What is the trusted employer scheme? 

According to Marisa, the trusted employer scheme is an elevated version of the Department of Home Affairs’ corporate accounts unit. The pilot project aims to provide qualifying companies with a means to a flexible pathway for skilled applicants to obtain work visas expeditiously in line with global best practices.

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Only 100 businesses are to be accepted initially 

According to the government gazette, only 100 businesses will be accepted initially, and the scheme will be reviewed over a period of 100 days. After this initial period, more businesses will be able to register.

Marisa says whilst there has been overwhelming praise from the corporate sector for this project, smaller businesses feel excluded. The Xpatweb MD reassures smaller organisations that they will still be able to access the corporate accounts unit.

???? South Africa moves to attract needed skills to enable economic growth | @afcftapolicyGH @IcoyacaUg @AfCFTA

The South African Department of Home Affairs has invited corporate employers to participate in the Trusted Employer Scheme pilot project. The initiative, the ministry…

— AUC3I (@AUC31) October 14, 2023

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The Proposed Benefits of the TES include – 

• All visa applications for TES employers will be processed through the Premium Visa Application Centres and One Stop Shop Premium Lounges
• Reduced visa requirements as per certain concessions
• Reduced red tape
• Dedicated Key Account Manager at Home Affairs
• Commitment to issue work visas as expeditiously as possible and on the basis of simplified procedures and objective, predictable and reasonable requirements and criteria, without consuming excessive administrative capacity
• Service Level Agreement to obtain work visa outcomes within specified shorter timeframes

OFM Business Hour