In the wake of Brexit and the UK’s new skills-based immigration system, South Africans are set to have increased access to UK work visas.<\/p>\n
The new immigration system will see South Africans given access to work visas \u2013 in some cases with a path to permanent UK residence \u2013 based on their skills and qualifications, rather than their nationality, said immigration company Move Up.<\/p>\n
“The UK is scrapping their dual EU and non-EU visa system in favour of a more streamlined immigration and work visa process. This is aimed at attracting talent from around the world to keep the UK globally competitive,\u201d said Move Up managing director, Ryan Rennison.<\/p>\n
“The playing field has now been levelled \u2013 all nationalities will be required to apply for visas under the same skilled worker\u2019s route.<\/p>\n
“The major difference is that applicants need to have sponsorship from a UK employer before applying,” said Rennison.<\/p>\n
While workers were required to earn a minimum salary of \u00a330,000 (R577,341) per annum to be eligible for this visa, prime minister Boris Johnson has been making headlines<\/a> <\/strong>for wanting to reduce this threshold even further to \u00a325,600 (R492,665).<\/p>\n According to the Home Office\u2019s UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department, these are the most significant changes:<\/p>\n New visa option<\/strong><\/p>\n A new UK visa type will also allow workers of any skill level to live and work in the UK for one year has also been created.<\/p>\n However, the UK Home Secretary has stated that this option will only be available to passport holders from specific countries.<\/p>\n “With the South African government chasing the revocation of UK visitor visas for South African tourists and seemingly meeting some resistance, it\u2019s unclear whether South Africa will be on the list for the one-year work visa,” said Rennison.<\/p>\n “Workers on this scheme will not be able to bring family with them, or access any benefits; furthermore, they will not be allowed to switch to another visa or live in the UK permanently.<\/p>\n “Once the visa has expired, they are legally not allowed to return to work in the UK for one year,” he said.<\/p>\n\n
\n