Xpatweb Global Mobility Conference: Member Update & Engagement Opportunity
The Xpatweb 6th Annual Global Mobility Conference took place on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, bringing together South Africa's most influential government leaders, ambassadors, business executives, HR decision-makers and global mobility specialists for a day of high-level discussions.
The day focused on direct engagement with decision-makers, thought-provoking discussions, meaningful networking opportunities and conversations that continued long after the formal proceedings had ended.
The programme included the keynote address by Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs , who shared government's vision for modernising South Africa's immigration system and strengthening the country's ability to attract the critical skills needed for long-term growth.
Delegates participated in a full day of insightful discussions covering immigration developments, qualifications recognition, foreign direct investment, artificial intelligence, skills development and the future of international mobility.
Featured Speakers and Discussions:
- Dr Leon Schreiber – Minister of Home Affairs , who shared government's vision for the future of South Africa's immigration system and digital transformation.
- Khulekani Mathe – Chief Executive Officer, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) , who explored the role of business and public-private collaboration in unlocking economic growth.
- H.E. Mr Fumio Shimizu – Ambassador of Japan to South Africa , who reflected on the importance of international partnerships and investment.
- Enrico Brandt – Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy to South Africa , who shared perspectives on international business, skills and economic cooperation.
- Nadia Starr – Chief Executive Officer, South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) , who highlighted the role of qualifications recognition in enabling global mobility.
- Ministerial Panel Discussion featuring Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, and Yusuf Simons, Office of the Director at the Department of Home Affairs, who explored the evolving direction of South Africa's immigration landscape through an engaging discussion between government and industry.
- AI Panel Discussion featuring Nitin Soma, Founder and CEO of Skybolt, Yubin Yang, CEO of Limen AI Lab, and Tanya Tosen, Tax and Remuneration Specialist and Master Mobility Specialist, Tax Consulting SA, who examined how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of global mobility and business.
One of the key takeaways from the conference was the Department of Home Affairs' continued focus on technology-driven innovation, particularly through the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) System. The ETA represents a significant step towards a fully digital immigration framework and is expected to form the foundation of a completely electronic visa application process, with Trusted Employers anticipated to be among the first to utilise the new system.
Trusted Employer Scheme Round 2
Round 2 of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) officially opened on 20 July 2026 and will remain open for applications until 4 September 2026 .
Becoming a Trusted Employer in South Africa provides several meaningful advantages, including:
- Faster adjudication of work visa applications
- Reduced administrative burden and streamlined document requirements
- Predictability and efficiency in talent mobility planning
- Credibility with the Department of Home Affairs
- Improved lead times for sourcing scarce skills
- First access to online submissions
Read more about the benefits of being a Trusted Employer in South Africa here .
Join Our TES Phase II Webinar: Unlocking the Benefits of the Second Round on 20 August 2026
With the TES Phase II application window now open, Xpatweb will be hosting a TES Round II webinar on 20 August 2026 to provide organisations with further insight into the application process, key requirements and the benefits of participating in the Scheme.
The webinar will be particularly relevant to organisations considering applying for TES Round II before the 4 September 2026 deadline.
Register for the TES Phase II webinar to learn more about the Scheme and what organisations need to consider before applying.