Massive visa boost for South Africa
Industry experts have commended South Africa’s new work visa system, which has boosted the profile of the often-maligned Department of Home Affairs.
Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber gazetted the new work Remote Work Visitor Visa and the new Points-Based System for Work Visas on 9 October.
The new visas were designed to remove bureaucratic hurdles that have hindered South Africa’s visa regime.
Schreiber said that the new reforms would make South Africa a world-class destination for investment and tourism to create thousands of new jobs.
To obtain a critical skills work visa or general work visa, an applicant must meet all other prescribed requirements and earn 100 points.
If the 100-point system is met and the occupation is on the critical skills lists, provided that all other requirements are met, the applicant will be issued with a critical skils work visa.
If the 100-point threshold is reached through a combination of points other than through an occupation contained on the critical skills list and provided all other prescribed requirements are met, the applicant may be issued with a general work visa.
“For applicants navigating South Africa’s evolving immigration landscape, this directive offers crucial guidance, particularly for those with pending applications, and reinforces the government’s commitment to a fair and transparent process,” said Marisa Jacobs, MD of Xpatweb.
A major concern following the introduction of the new immigration regulation was the uncertainty surrounding applications that were already in progress.
Many applicants were concerned that their pending applications for critical skills or general work visas would now be subject to the new points-based system, potentially leading to delays or unfavourable outcomes.
“However, the Directive eliminates this uncertainty by specifying that any visa applications submitted before the implementation of the points-based system will be adjudicated under the rules in place at the time of submission,” said Jacobs.
“Furthermore, those with appointments already booked at Visa Facilitation Centres (VFS) or the South African High Commission will also be assessed under the pre-existing system.:
For Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders, the directive gives a temporary exemption from the points-based system.
The ZEP is a permit that allows a Zimbabwean citizen to live, work, or study in South Africa. It was first granted to Zimbabwean citizens living in South Africa who applied in 2010, and it has been extended several times since.
ZEP holders who will transition to mainstream critical skills or general work visas will continue to be processed under the terms of the special dispensation without the need to meet the new points-based criteria.
“While this exemption provides immediate relief for ZEP holders, how their long-term status will be managed once the special dispensation ends remains to be seen,” said Jacobs.
“Nonetheless, the directive ensures that ZEP holders are not adversely affected by the shift to the points-based system, at least for now.”
Huge boost
Jacobs said that the introduction of a points-based system shows a significant shift in how South Africa manages its immigration policy, which aligns with other countries that priorities economic needs and skill shortages.
She said that the change represents a forward-thinking approach.
“By outlining specific criteria, such as qualifications, work experience, and remuneration, the system is designed to attract the right kind of talent to support South Africa’s growth,” she said.
“The Directive reaffirms that applications filed after the introduction of the new regulations must adhere to the points-based system, ensuring that future applicants are assessed based on their ability to contribute to the country’s development.”
“This structure gives businesses a clear understanding of how they can recruit foreign talent and allows individuals to assess their eligibility more transparently.”
“As South Africa positions itself as a competitive destination for skilled talent, the new points-based system, underpinned by the clarity of this directive, sets the foundation for a more streamlined and effective immigration process.”
Read: Major semigration shift in South Africa – these are the towns people are flocking to