General Work Visa
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The General Work Visa in South Africa is a type of work visa issued to foreign nationals who have a job offer from a South African employer but whose skills are not listed on the Critical Skills List. This visa allows the applicant to work in the country for a specified period, typically aligned with the duration of the employment contract.
The General Work Visa is typically more difficult to obtain than other work visas because of the requirement for a labour market test and the need to prove that there are no suitable South African candidates for the position. It is a good option for foreign nationals with specific job offers in South Africa but do not qualify for other types of work visas, such as the Critical Skills Visa.
Eligibility:
Labour Market Test :
Documentation:
The applicant must have a confirmed job offer from a South African employer.
The employer must demonstrate that they have made every reasonable effort to hire a South African citizen or permanent resident for the position but were unable to find a suitable candidate. This often requires the employer to provide proof of advertising the position locally.
As part of the application process, the South African employer must obtain a certificate from the Department of Employment and Labour. This certificate confirms that:
  • The employer has complied with the requirement to recruit locally.
  • The salary and working conditions offered to the foreign employee are in line with the standards applicable in the industry.
  • The employer has complied with the requirement to recruit locally.
  • The employment of the foreign national will not negatively impact the local labor market.
Applicants need to submit various documents, including:
  • A valid job offer or employment contract from the South African employer.
  • The labor market test certificate from the Department of Employment and Labour.
  • A police clearance certificate from all countries where the applicant has resided for more than 12 months since the age of 18.
  • A duly completed visa application form.
  • Proof of qualifications and, if necessary, the evaluation of foreign qualifications by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
CRITICAL SKILLS VISA
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The Critical Skills Visa in South Africa is designed to attract foreign nationals who possess skills and qualifications that are considered essential for the development and growth of the South African economy. This visa is intended to address shortages in specific industries and sectors with a lack of skilled local labour Critical Skills. Visa is a key part of South Africa's strategy to attract talent in areas with a local skills shortage, thereby helping to boost the country's economic development.
Application Process:
Common Sectors:
Permanent Residence Pathway:
Assessment and Qualification Verification: The first step is to ensure that the applicant's qualifications are recognized in South Africa through SAQA.
Professional Body Registration: If the occupation requires registration with a South African professional body, this must be done before applying for the visa.
Visa Application: Submit the application along with all required documents to the South African Department of Home Affairs or through a South African embassy/consulate in the applicant’s home country.
Sectors Commonly Included in the Critical Skills List:
  • Information Technology: Software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists.
  • Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineers.
  • Healthcare: Medical doctors, specialists, nurses, and pharmacists.
  • Finance: Actuaries, financial analysts, accountants.
  • Science and Research: Environmental scientists, physicists, chemists.
  • Education: University lecturers in specific fields of study.
Applicants need to provide a range of documents, including:
  • A completed visa application form.
  • Proof of qualifications and SAQA certification.
  • Proof of registration with a relevant South African professional body (if applicable).
  • Police clearance certificates from all countries where the applicant has resided for more than 12 months since the age of 18.