South Africa considers spousal employment access in two significant policy developments
04 June 2025South Africa is a priority country where the Foundation, with the support of our local network, has been active over the past few years. We are now pleased to report two significant developments. Firstly, the National Labour Migration Policy White Paper was just released on 29 May. It recommends that the automatic issuance of work visas for spouses and dependants of critical skills visa holders (and possibly inter-company transferees) be considered. In addition, the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), is being broadened in July. Within this scheme, the government is now actively considering work authorisation for accompanying spouses of critical skills visa holders. This would be a welcome first step Read more about the rationale for change in this article featuring Marisa Jacobs Managing Director of Xpatweb, and Helen Frew Director of Permits Foundation.
If your company is operating in South Africa, make sure your support for the policy of spousal work access is known. This will increase the possibility of implementation, ultimately helping the success of your global mobility programmes. We encourage you to take part in the newly released Xpatweb critical skills survey which has a specific section dedicated to the question of spousal work access.
As a reminder:
Permits Foundation’s written response to the Draft National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) and Employment Services Amendment Bill
