On 3 April 2026, the Cabinet of South Africa approved the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection (the “Revised White Paper”), following a comprehensive national consultation process led by the Department of Home Affairs.1 This policy document outlines reforms across citizenship, immigration, and refugee protection frameworks.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The Cabinet’s approval of the Revised White Paper represents a significant shift in South Africa’s citizenship, immigration, and refugee protection frameworks. Proposed measures such as a points‑based economic migration system, the introduction of new visa categories, and expanded digitalisation initiatives may have implications for workforce mobility planning, compliance processes, and associated costs for organisations and assignees.
Key Highlights of the Revised White Paper
Refugee Management Reforms
- Introduction of the “First Safe Country Principle” disqualifying asylum seekers who have been granted protection or travelled through safe third countries from claiming asylum in South Africa.
- Annual designation of safe third countries and potential bilateral agreements to share migration responsibilities.
- Alignment with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ route-based approach to migration.
Citizenship Reforms
- Establishment of objective, points-based criteria for naturalisation and economic pathways to citizenship.
- Annual application window to manage backlogs, and a Citizenship Advisory Panel (CAP) to advise on applications.
- Continuation of automatic citizenship for children with at least one South African parent; children of non-citizens may apply for naturalisation.
Immigration Reforms
- Introduction of new visa categories: remote work, start-ups, skilled workers, sports and culture.
- Replacement of corporate visas with sectoral work visas.
- Merit-based, points-based system for certain visas and permanent residency.
- Rollout of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and biometric data collection for all foreign nationals.
Civil Registration Reforms
- Transformation of the National Population Register into an Intelligent Population Register (IPR) using advanced digital technologies.
- Mandatory digital registration of births and deaths for citizens and residents, as provided for under the revised framework.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of this development, the organizations might consider the following:
- Monitor legislative developments to assess implementation timelines and final regulatory requirements.
- Review global mobility and assignment planning strategies in anticipation of new visa categories and points‑based eligibility criteria.
- Prepare for enhanced biometric enrolment and digital registration requirements applicable to employees and accompanying family members.
- Evaluate potential workforce planning implications arising from the shift to sector‑based and merit‑driven immigration pathways.
If readers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in South Africa (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Department of Home Affairs, Republic of South Africa, “Minister Schreiber welcomes Cabinet approval of Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection,” published on 8 April 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in South Africa.
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