In 2020, the total estimated 281 million people living in a country other than their countries of birth was 128 million more than in 1990, and over three times the estimated number in 1970.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why people emigrate<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are many reasons why people choose to migrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the context of globalisation, the emergence of global cities, the global transfer of goods and services, and the demand for different skills around the world have caused many people to migrate in search of opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is also true of South African expats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While there may be pockets of professionals and entrepreneurs who migrated from the country post-1994, the growing trend over the years has been migration fueled by headhunting of South African talent and expertise by international agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Locals have also thirsted for these international opportunities – including access to international educational institutions, and the chance to gain experience in different markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This propels them to grow their careers and expand their business networks to gain diverse expertise that they wouldn\u2019t ordinarily gain in a single market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Demand for South African talent<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe demand for South African expats in different disciplines continues to increase significantly – from teachers, doctors, engineers, and scientists to artists, hospitality industry practitioners, chefs, and entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Africans are found in many parts of the world, especially the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, the UAE, Canada and China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research shows that nearly a million South Africans live, work and do business abroad, with nearly 250,000 living in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are doing exceedingly well, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The great return to their roots<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDespite this success, a significant number of South African expats have recently decided to return home, in a move often dubbed reverse emigration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Tax Consulting South Africa, the euphoria of living abroad for many South Africans is wearing thin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA growing number of expatriates are drawn back by the allure of a vibrant cultural scene, inviting temperate climate, and favourable exchange rates,\u201d said Tax Consulting South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The need to reconnect with the vibrant and diverse cultures, flavourful Mzansi cuisine, music and vibe, coupled with great weather and family connections continues to lure expats back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Case study: Brad Habana<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BHabannah-1024x575.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brad Habana, an expat based in Qatar, is a Senior Sponsorship Manager at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhilst working at SAFA doing the CAF tournament in 2013, I was approached by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to be part of the planning team for Qatar’s inaugural 2022 FIFA World Cup,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDespite the excitement of this new opportunity, the transition wasn’t without its challenges, particularly as my wife and daughter remained in South Africa initially. However, once they joined me in Qatar, life as an expatriate became much more manageable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habana added that while certain traditions such as weekend braais are a common past-time that he often misses, he has been able to maintain a strong connection with South Africa by frequently visiting the country and welcoming his family members to join him on visits in Qatar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt has and remains a wonderful experience hosting our family and friends when they come over,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asked about his plans for the next five years, Habana said that life as an expatriate is unpredictable – particularly within the GCC, where job stability can be uncertain and a job may come to an abrupt end at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis reality keeps us constantly mindful of our roots back home,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile we diligently plan for our eventual return to South Africa, our young family is relishing the opportunities afforded by our current lifestyle, including the accessibility of travel to various countries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habana said that through these experiences, he and his family are immersing themselves in different cultures and nationalities and enriching their understanding of the world in profound ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am loving the opportunity to help Qatar bring their major sporting events to fruition such as the recent Asian Cup,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt the same time, there has been an opportunity to help shape the newly rejuvenated horse racing industry via Cape Racing, which I am truly enjoying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habana said the main things he misses include family reunions, the quality food that South Africa has to offer, the South African sporting events, and the summer and festive feeling around December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have seen a strong influx of South African products into Qatar, which brings us a little closer to home. Our daughters know that South Africa is home and when they consistently place their hands on their chest when they sing our Nkosi Sikelela national anthem, it fills me with immense pride,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey are South African. They are the rainbow nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Case study: Xolisile Sithole<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
The demand for South African expats in different disciplines continues to increase significantly – from teachers, doctors, engineers, and scientists to artists, hospitality industry practitioners, chefs, and entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Africans are found in many parts of the world, especially the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, the UAE, Canada and China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research shows that nearly a million South Africans live, work and do business abroad, with nearly 250,000 living in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are doing exceedingly well, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The great return to their roots<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDespite this success, a significant number of South African expats have recently decided to return home, in a move often dubbed reverse emigration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Tax Consulting South Africa, the euphoria of living abroad for many South Africans is wearing thin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA growing number of expatriates are drawn back by the allure of a vibrant cultural scene, inviting temperate climate, and favourable exchange rates,\u201d said Tax Consulting South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The need to reconnect with the vibrant and diverse cultures, flavourful Mzansi cuisine, music and vibe, coupled with great weather and family connections continues to lure expats back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Case study: Brad Habana<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brad Habana, an expat based in Qatar, is a Senior Sponsorship Manager at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhilst working at SAFA doing the CAF tournament in 2013, I was approached by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to be part of the planning team for Qatar’s inaugural 2022 FIFA World Cup,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDespite the excitement of this new opportunity, the transition wasn’t without its challenges, particularly as my wife and daughter remained in South Africa initially. However, once they joined me in Qatar, life as an expatriate became much more manageable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habana added that while certain traditions such as weekend braais are a common past-time that he often misses, he has been able to maintain a strong connection with South Africa by frequently visiting the country and welcoming his family members to join him on visits in Qatar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt has and remains a wonderful experience hosting our family and friends when they come over,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asked about his plans for the next five years, Habana said that life as an expatriate is unpredictable – particularly within the GCC, where job stability can be uncertain and a job may come to an abrupt end at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis reality keeps us constantly mindful of our roots back home,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile we diligently plan for our eventual return to South Africa, our young family is relishing the opportunities afforded by our current lifestyle, including the accessibility of travel to various countries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habana said that through these experiences, he and his family are immersing themselves in different cultures and nationalities and enriching their understanding of the world in profound ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am loving the opportunity to help Qatar bring their major sporting events to fruition such as the recent Asian Cup,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt the same time, there has been an opportunity to help shape the newly rejuvenated horse racing industry via Cape Racing, which I am truly enjoying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habana said the main things he misses include family reunions, the quality food that South Africa has to offer, the South African sporting events, and the summer and festive feeling around December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have seen a strong influx of South African products into Qatar, which brings us a little closer to home. Our daughters know that South Africa is home and when they consistently place their hands on their chest when they sing our Nkosi Sikelela national anthem, it fills me with immense pride,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey are South African. They are the rainbow nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Case study: Xolisile Sithole<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brad Habana, an expat based in Qatar, is a Senior Sponsorship Manager at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhilst working at SAFA doing the CAF tournament in 2013, I was approached by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to be part of the planning team for Qatar’s inaugural 2022 FIFA World Cup,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDespite the excitement of this new opportunity, the transition wasn’t without its challenges, particularly as my wife and daughter remained in South Africa initially. However, once they joined me in Qatar, life as an expatriate became much more manageable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habana added that while certain traditions such as weekend braais are a common past-time that he often misses, he has been able to maintain a strong connection with South Africa by frequently visiting the country and welcoming his family members to join him on visits in Qatar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt has and remains a wonderful experience hosting our family and friends when they come over,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asked about his plans for the next five years, Habana said that life as an expatriate is unpredictable – particularly within the GCC, where job stability can be uncertain and a job may come to an abrupt end at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis reality keeps us constantly mindful of our roots back home,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile we diligently plan for our eventual return to South Africa, our young family is relishing the opportunities afforded by our current lifestyle, including the accessibility of travel to various countries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habana said that through these experiences, he and his family are immersing themselves in different cultures and nationalities and enriching their understanding of the world in profound ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am loving the opportunity to help Qatar bring their major sporting events to fruition such as the recent Asian Cup,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt the same time, there has been an opportunity to help shape the newly rejuvenated horse racing industry via Cape Racing, which I am truly enjoying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habana said the main things he misses include family reunions, the quality food that South Africa has to offer, the South African sporting events, and the summer and festive feeling around December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have seen a strong influx of South African products into Qatar, which brings us a little closer to home. Our daughters know that South Africa is home and when they consistently place their hands on their chest when they sing our Nkosi Sikelela national anthem, it fills me with immense pride,\u201d said Habana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey are South African. They are the rainbow nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/XolisileSithole-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n