South Africa is a popular destination for foreigners seeking job opportunities. Its diverse economy and abundant natural resources make it a land of endless possibilities. However, if you are a foreign national hoping to work in South Africa, you will need a work visa. This article will explore the requirements for obtaining a work visa in South Africa.
Types of work visas in South Africa
The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa issues several types of South African work visas for foreigners looking to work in the country. These include:
General work visa: This visa is issued to foreigners who have secured an offer of employment in South Africa and have the qualifications and skills to perform the job. The application process necessitates involvement from the Department of Labour, along with the requirement of obtaining a Benchmarking Confirmation.
Critical skills work visa: This visa is issued to foreigners who possess critical skills in various sectors that are in demand in South Africa. This visa is valid for up to five years and you will qualify immediately to apply for Permanent Residence if you have 5 years of proven experience.
Intra-company transfer work visa: This visa is issued to foreign employees of multinational corporations who are transferring to the South African branch of their company.
Requirements for a general work visa
To be eligible for a general work visa in South Africa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have a job offer from a South African employer.
- The job offer requires you to possess the necessary qualifications and skills for the role. Your employer must prove that there are no suitable South African candidates for the position.
- Applicants must undergo a thorough medical assessment and provide a valid certificate confirming their physical fitness for employment in South Africa.
- You must provide a police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any country where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
- You must prove you have sufficient financial means to support yourself in South Africa.
- You must have a passport valid for at least 30 days after the expiry date of your intended stay in South Africa.
- You must complete an application form and submit it to the South African embassy or consulate in your country of origin.
- You must obtain the needed Labour Department Benchmarking from your employer.
Requirements for a critical skills work visa
To be eligible for a critical skills work visa in South Africa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your occupation must be on the critical skills list (CSL). To ensure accurate information, it is vital to check the most recent version of the list before submitting your application.
- To qualify for the position, you must demonstrate the essential qualifications and skills directly relevant to the job. This includes obtaining relevant degrees, diplomas, or certificates and gaining work experience in their field of expertise.
- If applicable, it is imperative to be duly registered with the relevant professional body or council in South Africa. As an illustration, registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is mandatory for doctors, and engineers must be registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
- You must have a valid job offer from a South African employer in their field of expertise. The job offer must include the job title, job description, salary, and contract duration.
- You must prove you can financially support yourself and any dependents living in South Africa. Demonstrate this by presenting bank statements, employment contracts, or evidence of assets.
- You must provide medical and radiological reports from a recognised medical practitioner in your country of origin. The information must confirm you do not have any medical conditions that could pose a risk to public health in South Africa.
Requirements for an intra-company transfer work visa
To be eligible for an intra-company transfer work visa in South Africa, you must meet the following criteria:
- To be eligible, you need to have active employment with a multinational company that has a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in South Africa. The company must also have a proven business record in South Africa.
- This provision guarantees that employees actively maintain a valid association with the organization and undergo transfers aligned with their current employment status. This criterion assures employees of authentic company connection and transfer as part of their current employment arrangement.
- You must have a valid job offer from the company’s South African branch or subsidiary. The job offer should be for a skilled or managerial role, with a salary compliant with South African labor regulations.
- The transfer must involve the transfer of skills or knowledge to the South African workforce. The transfer must also be for a limited period, with a maximum duration of four years.
- Applicants must possess the requisite qualifications and experience necessary to effectively fulfill the job responsibilities associated with their transfer. Therefore, proof of qualifications and experience must be provided as part of the visa application.
- You must furnish police clearance certificates from your home country and any other countries of residence to confirm your clean criminal record.
- You must undergo a medical examination and provide proof of being free of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.
Contact PM Immigration for details
For more information and assistance about obtaining a South African work visa, contact PM Immigration’s team of South African visa specialists today.