South Africa has formally introduced a “locals first” employment policy that requires participating companies to prioritise citizens and permanent residents when recruiting workers.
Under the new rules, employers that meet the government’s hiring and investment requirements may receive faster visa processing when bringing qualified foreign professionals into the country.
The policy operates through the Trusted Employer Scheme, which aims to balance two priorities: protecting employment opportunities for South Africans and allowing businesses to recruit foreign workers with scarce or specialised skills.
Employers Must Maintain a 60% Local Workforce
Companies participating in the scheme must ensure that South African citizens and permanent residents make up at least 60% of their workforce.
This requirement is designed to prevent employers from relying heavily on foreign labour when local workers are available.
Businesses must also show that they contribute meaningfully to the South African economy through investment, employment and operations before receiving trusted-employer status.
Employers that meet the conditions can access a faster and more predictable visa process for foreign employees.
What the Trusted Employer Scheme Offers
The Trusted Employer Scheme gives approved companies priority when processing work visa applications.
This could reduce delays for businesses operating in sectors that depend on technical, professional or specialised workers.
However, the faster process does not remove immigration requirements. Companies must still prove that the foreign worker meets the relevant visa conditions and that the recruitment supports legitimate business needs.
The scheme is expected to benefit established companies and investors that maintain strong compliance records.
Why South Africa Introduced the Policy
South Africa faces high unemployment and growing public concern about the role of foreign workers in the labour market.
The government is under pressure to ensure that businesses give local applicants fair access to available jobs.
At the same time, the country needs foreign investment and skilled professionals in sectors where local expertise may be limited.
The new approach attempts to address both concerns by linking faster immigration services to local hiring commitments.
What It Means for Employers
Companies seeking trusted-employer status will need to review their workforce structure and recruitment policies.
Businesses that fall below the 60% local employment requirement may need to increase local hiring before qualifying for the scheme.
Employers may also face stricter reporting and compliance obligations as the government monitors whether they continue to meet the programme’s conditions.
For multinational companies, the policy could influence decisions about staffing, investment and regional expansion.
What It Means for Foreign Workers
Foreign professionals may find it easier to obtain work visas when recruited by an accredited employer.
However, the policy may also reduce opportunities for foreign applicants in roles that South African citizens or permanent residents can fill.
Workers with critical, technical or specialised skills are more likely to benefit because employers can justify the need to recruit them internationally.
Business Impact
The policy gives employers a clear trade-off.
Companies that prioritise local employment and comply with government requirements may gain faster access to foreign talent when necessary.
Those that depend heavily on foreign workers without meeting the local employment threshold could face longer visa delays and greater regulatory scrutiny.
The success of the programme will depend on whether it improves local employment without discouraging investment or making it difficult for businesses to secure essential skills.
South Africa is effectively telling employers that access to faster immigration services will now depend partly on how much they contribute to local job creation.