As we reported earlier this month, South Africa instituted some important changes to its immigration laws this year. South Africa has utilized the familiar “carrot and stick” approach in its immigration overhaul: while it has extended the validity of its major employment visas, South Africa has also imposed additional immigration compliance requirements and penalties on both employers and visa holders. Global employers should particularly be aware of the following:
New requirements for all sponsoring employers. South Africa now requires all companies that employ visa holders to maintain the following on file: a certified copy of the foreigner’s passport; a copy of the visa or permanent residency permit; proof of the capacity in which the foreigner is or was employed; a copy of the foreigner’s IRP5 form or certificate of earnings and job description, respectively.