Employers who rely on foreign talent are facing a wave of new challenges as South Africa’s immigration framework undergoes accelerated reform. From new directives and policy reinterpretations to long-awaited extensions and court interventions—what was once a slow-moving system has suddenly become unpredictable.
Understanding how to navigate these developments is now a strategic necessity for employers in sectors such as healthcare, education, IT, and engineering—where foreign professionals often plug local skills gaps.
Key Developments Employers Need to Know
📌 1. Visa Extensions Are Back—but Not for Everyone
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has, in recent months, issued several blanket extensions for temporary visa holders due to processing backlogs. These include:
- General work visa applicants
- Critical skills visa holders
- Waiver applicants
However, these extensions often come with conditions. For instance, applicants must have submitted valid applications before their original visa expiry dates. Many are also prohibited from leaving the country while waiting, or risk nullifying their application.
⚠️ Employer Alert: Do not assume an extension covers your employee—check their status and the applicable Government Gazette notice.
📌 2. SAQA Evaluation Delays Continue to Undermine Recruitment
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) continues to face processing delays, particularly for qualifications obtained outside of South Africa. This has had a ripple effect on:
- Critical Skills Visa applications
- General Work Visa applications
- Professional registration in regulated sectors (e.g. health, education)
With evaluation timelines extending from weeks to months, many employers are left unable to finalise employment offers—or forced to delay project delivery.
What Employers Can Do:
- Start the SAQA evaluation process as early as possible
- Keep detailed records of all submissions and correspondence
- Engage with Recalibrate’s network for escalation support or document readiness coaching
📌 3. Immigration Advisory Board Appointed
After years of policy drift, a new Immigration Advisory Board has been appointed—tasked with reviewing visa policies, advising on legislative amendments, and aligning immigration frameworks with labour market needs.
This could bring about:
- A clearer critical skills list
- Policy alignment with sector-specific shortages
- Streamlined processing mechanisms over time
However, change will not be immediate. Employers are advised to work within current laws while preparing for likely shifts in the next 12–18 months.
The Compliance Burden Falls on Employers
Even with systemic issues outside your control, employers remain accountable for ensuring that all foreign employees:
- Hold valid work permits
- Have qualifications appropriately evaluated
- Are assigned duties that match the scope of their visas
- Are not employed in contravention of the Immigration Act
Failure to comply can result in penalties, reputational damage, or the invalidation of employment contracts.
Practical Support Through Recalibrate
To help employers stay on the right side of the law—and avoid costly missteps—(SA)UEO has partnered with Recalibrate to make expert immigration support accessible and affordable.
Through this platform, you can:
- Access vetted immigration lawyers and visa consultants
- Get step-by-step guidance on work permit compliance
- Escalate delayed SAQA evaluations where possible
- Receive help with navigating waiver applications, critical skills submissions, and renewal timelines
Staying Ahead of the Shifts
The immigration landscape is changing rapidly—and employers who don’t adapt risk falling behind. Whether you’re hiring, renewing, or facing delays—strategic, informed action is the only way forward.
Contact your organiser or email Elise at
📩 elise@recalibrate.info
for help navigating these transitions with trusted, expert support.