The British High Commission in Pretoria said this was for tiers 2 and 5, which covered skilled and temporary workers.
"It will reinforce the UK's position as a destination of choice for foreign workers, while tightening control against those who seek to abuse the system," said British High Commission spokesperson Apsara McNaught.
The changes will also end the "Working Holidaymaker" scheme that allowed 17- to 30-year-old Commonwealth citizens, including South Africans, to live, work and holiday in the UK for up to two years.
According to the UK Border Agency website, under the points-based system, employers will need a sponsor licence to bring in skilled or temporary workers from outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
Applicants are being advised to apply for a sponsor licence as soon as possible so as to minimise delays to the recruitment process.
The new system will consist of five tiers, with different points requirements for each.
"Points will be awarded to reflect the migrant's ability, experience, age and - when appropriate - the level of need within the sector the migrant will be working," says the website.
- For further information, visit the UK Border Agency website: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk