Search Jobs

Work permits for South Africa

 

As with many countries, requirements set for gaining work permits can change. This information is only a guide and could be subject to change.

 

The first thing you should do if not resident in South Africa (SA) is to contact your nearest SA embassy, consulate or high commission. They will give you the current information and requirements on permits for temporary residence and how to apply for such. Also much of this information can be found on the internet so it may also be worth checking that out as well.

 

Before you get to the stage of applying for a work permit in SA you will need to apply for a work seekers permit. This can be granted if you have applied for a job(s) and wish to attend an interview. Be warned however that these permits are only issued for the express purpose of you attending the interview(s) you have declared; you cannot remain in SA and look around for a job even though the name of the permit does suggest that possibility. If found to be abusing the permits purpose you will be at risk of arrest or deportation.

 

SA has a vast eligible work force and currently it is unlikely that you will be granted a work permit for unskilled and semi- skilled labour as employers are expected to fill these jobs from SA nationals. Occasionally even where nationally there are many South Africans qualified to do these jobs, an employer can get a work permit on the basis that he cannot fill the vacancy from personnel locally.

 

If you are in an industry that is deemed to be beneficial to the growth of SA, and those skills are in short supply, then the chances are that a work permit will be granted.

 

Another way to work in SA is to set up a business. To qualify for such you must show that you can offer SA the following: Manufacture of goods for export, employing South Africans and are bringing in capital to SA from overseas.

 

Works permits are only valid for one year but may be extended and these permits apply to a huge range of occupations or other reasons for wanting to live in SA.

They can be for an Au pair, to a corporation executive who wishes to work in the SA branch.

 

The rules are such that if you are going to SA and are being paid in SA, then you need a work permit. If you are being sent there on a temporary basis by a parent company and still being paid outside of SA, reporting directly to that parent company then you will need a business visa instead of a work permit.

 

If you are successful in obtaining a job in SA you might want to bring your family with you and other than a few exceptions they will need a visa to accompany you to SA. Currently those eligible for temporary residence permits are UK passport holders including the British Isles, but do check up that that information has not changed since writing this article.

 

If you do find that you need to extend your work permit, don’t forget to apply for the extension at the nearest Home Affairs’ office at least eight weeks before expiry date. If you fail to do this and your permit expires you must leave the country and re-apply from outside SA.

You may also come and go to SA as long as your work permit is valid, so home visits will not be a problem.

 

If in any doubt as to what is required check out the SA sites.

 

Other than that, happy job hunting.