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The Department of Home Affairs has given its seal of approval to the first set of companies to be part of the much-anticipated Trusted Employer Scheme. This significant milestone follows a rigorous evaluation process that saw numerous employers vying for a coveted spot in the program. The submission deadline for companies interested in the scheme was set for November 20th, and the response from the business community was overwhelmingly positive.

The recent decision (Directive) by the Department of Home Affairs (“DHA”) to further extend the blanket concession granted to long term visa holders was music to the ears of many. Today, 22 December 2023, the DHA released a new Directive stating that long-term visa holders in South Africa have been granted legal permission to remain in the Republic of South Africa (“South Africa”) until 30 June 2024.

In a landmark decision, the Constitutional Court of South Africa (“Court”) has ruled that certain sections of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) (“Act”), and regulations of the related Immigration Regulations (“Regulations”), pertaining to spouses of South African citizens or permanent residents whose spousal relationships have terminated, are unconstitutional.

Individuals holding either Zimbabwean Exemption Permits or Lesotho Exemption Permits can find reassurance in the recent media briefing and directive issued by the Department of Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

Many are confused by the comments made by Dr Aaron Motsoaledi this week.

The White paper published just Sunday, the 12th of November 2023 by the same Minister, confirms the staggering backlog of over 74,000 permits. Yet, it is reported that the Minister has now stated that there is no work permit crises and his department is not causing a skills crisis. What does he mean exactly?