SOUTH AFRICA’S NEW POINTS-BASED IMMIGRATION SYSTEM

The Department of Home Affairs introduced significant regulatory reforms to modernize and streamline the work visa process, including the much-anticipated Points-Based System. These changes aim to create a clearer, more efficient, and transparent visa application process that fosters business growth and lawful immigration. On 9 October 2024, Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Leon Schreiber gazetted the Third Amendment of the Immigration Regulations, 2014, which introduced the Points-based System. Following this, the Minister published Immigration Directive 10 of 2024 on 18 October 2024, detailing the implementation of the new system, including revised annual gross salary requirements and points allocation for offers from employers in the Trusted Employer Scheme.