News

News

This week’s news is good news for those wishing to immigrate to South Africa. The country is still experiencing quite a shortage of skills in numerous sectors, and this makes it easier for foreign nationals to obtain work permits and work in South Africa.

The reasons for this are abundant. Our economic growth has continued at a higher rate than many other countries, especially over the “global crisis” period the world recently ran into. Our country is still starting and completing various large-scale infrastructure investments, and is also beginning to become a bit of a technology hub in many areas.

Also, a strong and well-regulated banking and finance sector has shielded South Africa from serious losses, and so it’s business as usual for South Africa. The only majorly implemented economic and fiscal control measure used thus far has been South Africa’s interest rate.

Lastly, a shortage of skills is a phenomenon facing most developing and also almost all first world countries, so for South Africa to bump its head on this problem is nothing short of normal. Immigrating to South Africa will be easier if you are in one of the following categories.

Actuaries and risk assessors
Statisticians
Economists
Engineers
IT specialists
Tradesmen
Teachers
Jewellers and Jewellery Designers

Due to private and public investments in infrastructure projects foreigners with relevant skills in the construction industry are most sought after.

Amongst the specific quota occupations are CAD technicians, Draftsperson, Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering Technicians and Technologists. Also in the manufacturing professions, Home Affairs is looking for quotas for jobs such as Manufacturing Technicians, Mechanical Draughtsperson and Technicians, Hydraulics and Pneumatics Technicians, Mechanical Engineers, Quality Engineers and Inspectors, Pipeline Engineers and Refrigeration Engineers.

As a foreign professional seeking work in South Africa, you may find that the country is far more than just a holiday destination

In the aeronautic industry, immigrants with backgrounds such as Aeronautical Engineers, Avionics Engineers and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are encouraged to consider the quota work permit. In the electronics sector, South Africa needs staff qualified as Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Electromechanical Technicians, Electronics Technicians, Autotronics and Mechatronics Technicians, Electricians.

As mentioned above, recently the Department also included certain artisans that can apply for immigration including Precision Metal Workers and Boilermakers, Coded Welders, Toolmakers, Fitters and Turners and Millwrights.

This list above is called the Quota List, and is published by the Department of Home Affairs annually.

So there you go, good news for immigrants. Bear in mind though, that without at least five years experience in your field, a proper qualification and a professional registration where applicable, you won’t necessarily have it easy immigrating to South Africa on a work permit. However, sometimes experience alone is sufficient to obtaining a successful permit.