Immigration Consultant SA Welcomes Draft Revised Immigration White Paper, Says Reforms Could "Reset the Industry for the Next Decade"

Cape Town, South Africa - 24 December 2025 - Immigration Consultant SA has welcomed the Department of Home Affairs' release of the Draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection (December 2025), describing it as a pivotal step toward a more modern, transparent, and economically aligned migration system.

The Draft White Paper proposes a broad overhaul of South Africa's immigration framework, signalling a shift from a predominantly compliance-driven model to a more merit-based, digitally enabled, and outcomes-focused approach. Key proposals include a Points-Based System (PBS) for certain pathways, the introduction of new visa categories such as a Remote-Work Visa (with stays of up to 36 months proposed), a Start-up and Innovation Visa, restructuring skilled migration into a simplified Skilled Worker Visa framework, the implementation of "Trusted" schemes to streamline processing for vetted organisations, and a proposed combined spouse visa that would allow eligible spouses to work, study, or conduct business without separate endorsements.

Industry response: "A meaningful shift toward clarity and competitiveness"

"Immigration Consultant SA welcomes the publication of this Draft White Paper and the clear intent to modernise the system," said a spokesperson for Immigration Consultant SA. "If implemented thoughtfully, these reforms could improve predictability, reduce administrative friction, and make South Africa more competitive in attracting the skills, investment, and entrepreneurship the economy needs."

The organisation notes that the proposal to move toward a Points-Based System could bring greater transparency to economic migration decisions by establishing objective criteria linked to skills, qualifications, and contribution. The introduction of new visa routes-particularly remote work and start-up pathways-may also broaden South Africa's appeal as a destination for global talent, founders, and mobile professionals.

"Trusted" schemes may change how businesses hire international talent

Immigration Consultant SA said it is encouraged by proposals that aim to improve turnaround times and reduce bottlenecks through "Trusted" channels such as a Trusted Employer Scheme, which could allow pre-vetted organisations to access streamlined processing when recruiting international talent.

"This could be a game-changer for employers," the spokesperson added. "A trusted pathway, if properly governed, can reduce delays for critical hires and improve compliance outcomes at the same time. It also changes the role of immigration practitioners-moving from chasing timelines to building stronger, evidence-based submissions and helping employers meet the requirements to qualify as trusted participants."

Family pathway reform: potential relief for spouses and dependants

Immigration Consultant SA also highlighted the potential impact of proposed family-related reforms, including the concept of a combined spouse visa that would enable spouses of citizens or permanent residents to work, study, or run a business immediately.

"From a human perspective, this is one of the most important areas," said the spokesperson. "Families need certainty. A consolidated spouse pathway with clear rights could reduce repeated applications and remove the need for separate endorsements. It would also help spouses contribute economically from day one, which is positive for households and the broader economy."

Digital-first systems could reduce paperwork and improve verification

The Draft White Paper also signals increased digitisation and modernisation, including proposals such as an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) approach and a modern population register incorporating biometrics for citizens and foreign nationals.

"A digital-first, paperless environment can reduce fraud, speed up decision-making, and improve the applicant experience-if implementation is consistent and accessible," the spokesperson said. "For the immigration industry, digitisation typically raises the standard of compliance and documentation, which makes professional guidance even more valuable."

Public consultation and next steps

The Department of Home Affairs has invited public input on the Draft Revised White Paper, with written submissions due on or before 31 January 2026.

Immigration Consultant SA encourages businesses, applicants, and stakeholders to participate in the consultation process. "This is the moment to engage," said the spokesperson. "The draft sets out an ambitious direction-now the details matter. Industry input can help ensure reforms are practical, fair, and implementable."

https://immigrationconsultantsa.com

Immigration Consultant SA
8 Chepstowe Street, Tijgerhof, Milnerton, Cape Town
Media Contact: Charl Vollmer
Phone: +27 83 963 0130
Email: charl@migratewithq.com
website: https://immigrationconsultantsa.com

Immigration Consultant SA provides immigration advisory and application support services to individuals, families, and businesses navigating South Africa's visa and residence processes. The firm focuses on compliant, strategic solutions tailored to each client's goals and eligibility.

This release was published on openPR.