SA Companies Import Critical Skills As Local Pool Can’t Plug The Hole

SA Companies Import Critical Skills As Local Pool Can’t Plug The Hole

/in , /by

Yet government’s draft list of critical skills now contains only half as many engineering professions as it did six years ago.

Marisa Jacobs, managing director at Xpatweb, which conducted the survey, says that chemical and electrical engineers, for example, were excluded from the department of home affairs’ new draft list.

The list was published in February after being updated for the first time since 2014.

Foreigners with skills on this list who want to come to work in South Africa can get a work visa much faster than those who are not. If your skill isn’t on the list, you may wait for up to six months longer for a work visa, says Jacobs.

The list contains skills that are important for the country’s strategic priorities, which are acute or may be in short supply in the future. It also contains skills that take a long time to develop.

Xpatweb, which helps companies recruit experts abroad, has been conducting surveys to collect real data among listed and multinational companies for the past five years on critical skills they are struggling to fill from the local market.

Jacobs says the latest survey, the largest to date, involved 220 respondents.

It shows that most respondents recruit foreigners for critical positions through LinkedIn (31%) and recruitment agencies (25%).

A total of 15% recruit from Europe, 14% from India and 13% from the UK, while 7% recruit largely in China and the US.

Jacobs said in a workshop this week that the survey shows that engineers, scientists, tradespeople (especially electricians), specialists in healthcare and accounting, as well as senior financial managers are among the positions that businesses in South Africa struggle the most to fill.

More than 80% of respondents are looking for engineers with three or more years of work experience, while 35% need engineers who have an honours degree.

On the new draft critical skills list, however, there are 22 fewer occupations in the category for engineers than there were on the 2014 list.

The 2014 list contained 41 occupations in the category, but now there are only 19 – 11 of which appear for the first time, Jacobs says.

Certain skills were re-included after the results of the survey became known and Xpatweb submitted comments on the draft list.

They include industrial engineer and technologist; engineering manager; mechanical engineering technologist; fitter and turner; registered nurse for child and family care, and for mental health; actuary; food and beverage scientist; and quantity surveyor.

Jacobs says media and marketing specialists, executives, information communication technology specialists and foreign language-speaking workers are also scarce locally.

The draft list does not provide at all for people who are proficient in foreign languages.

City Press reported earlier that this has implications for call centres. The greatest need is for French speakers, followed by those who speak Dutch and Mandarin.

According to Jacobs, companies also have a great need for CEOs, as well as executive operations and financial managers, but of these so-called C-suite skills, only “chief information officer” currently appears on the draft list.

She says the category “general manager”, one of the most popular visa categories under which companies can now bring in CEOs, has also been omitted.

Encouraging is the inclusion of eight new professions or skills in the accounting sector after they were identified as scarce skills by the first survey. These include accounting officer, financial accounting and forensic accounting, and tax expert.

According to Jacobs, the business world still needs to provide its input on what it needs because the list has not yet been finalised. That will probably happen later this year.

Once it is finalised, foreign workers with skills that do not appear on the list will not be able to obtain a work visa swiftly, even if a company urgently needs their services.

Other visas will then have to be applied for and this process can take much longer, she says.

Jacobs advises companies to apply for the renewal of work visas for foreign employees whose skills are no longer on the new draft list. This will prevent them from being caught off-guard.

Sourced: Netwerk 24

CONTACT US FOR ASSISTANCE

Some Light At The End Of A Dark Tunnel For Mauritius

/in , /by

The government was forced to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the economy. With a larger public service, it will be hard to recalibrate these economic challenges. However, the 2021-22 Mauritius budget speech comes concurrently with the relief of the recent announcement that the country is opening its borders.

On the 11th of June 2021, the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Dr Renganaden Padayachy, presented the Mauritius Finance Budget for the next fiscal year. With the aim of rebooting the economy, he discussed investments, economic strategy, restoring confidence, tax, and energy measurements.

The speech provided the government’s vision in terms of balancing social spending, its commitments against collections of revenues, boosting of the economy and preservation of public wealth under the Covid pandemic. The increase in the provision of incentives for small and medium enterprises will assist with the creation of jobs for social and economic stability in both the public and private sectors.

According to the Minister, the Mauritius strategy will be implemented based on the following points:

  • Recovery: This involves job preservation and creation;
  • Revival: Forecasting a GDP growth of 6% for the world and 9% for the country; and
  • Social Resilience: Unemployment kept at 9.2% for 2021 and forecasted to go under 4% in 2022.

The emphasis on the above items will contribute to the increase of the local economy, job market and propel additional consumption. Whilst the attentive focus is on overall reform, public care is the pillars of this budget, without any major changes to the tax regime. This is a refreshing relief for all, including industry and enterprise.

An island economy that is subordinate to foreign investments and the introduction to the relaxation in residency/occupational permit rules will enable the country to boost its tourist attraction. Having said that, it will be easier to obtain residency in Mauritius. The reviewed occupation permit rules indicate the following:

  • Foreign nationals wishing to apply for an Occupation Permit to work and reside in Mauritius can do so under the three categories: Investor, Professional and Self-Employed.
  • The validity period for an Occupation Permit as a Professional will be extended to 10-years.
  • Foreign nationals holding an Occupation Permit as a Professional will be given the flexibility to interchange between employment opportunities without having to submit a new application, provided that the minimum criteria are met.
  • Spouses of Occupation Permit holders wishing to invest or work in Mauritius will be exempted from applying for an Occupation Permit or Work Permit.
  • The maximum age limit of 24-years for dependants will be waived.
  • Foreign nationals may apply for an Occupation Permit irrespective of their visa category upon arrival.
  • A new permit category is being introduced under the Occupation Regime; A 10-year Family Occupation Permit for those contributing USD250,000 to the Covid-19 Projects Development Fund.
  • Holders of a 10-year Permanent Residence Permit will automatically be extended to 20-years.

The Mauritius government has taken a proactive approach by acknowledging the current short comings in positioning Mauritius as a long-term, family friendly jurisdiction. This is evident in the above suggested extension of the right of spouses of Occupation Permit holders to freely invest and/or work as well as the waiver of the dependent maximum age limit, a long-standing contentious issue of concern for non-citizen families seeking an inclusive destination conducive to long-term settlement.

From an immigration perspective, there are many factors, both immigration and tax-related, that can make planning invaluable. Therefore, to avoid costly mistakes, you must seek professional assistance and follow due diligence when travelling to Mauritius.

Xpatweb expatriate solution specialists and partners provide expert advice focused on your circumstances and requirements and are well-versed with intricate knowledge of the Mauritius Immigration Law.

CONTACT US FOR ASSISTANCE
Australia Immigration

Australia Immigration: Current Economic and Security Situation in South Africa

/in , /by

The challenges of poverty, unemployment and rising crime levels have prompted many citizens to seek out greener pastures abroad, in the hope of providing their children with a brighter future.

Immigration experts noted this growing trend towards emigration as a solution at a recent Emigration Expo, where an increasing number of people indicated their intention to move abroad. Many of these potential emigrants are considering Australia as a viable option and exploring the possibilities to relocate and eventually formally emigrate to the country.

Emigrating to Australia

Australia provides potential immigrants with many employment and business opportunities, as it is a young, multi-cultural and open country, with a steadily growing economy.

Australia’s quality of life and unrivalled natural beauty makes it the ideal destination for South Africans who are dreaming about providing their families with a safer lifestyle and a prosperous future.

Australia’s sporting culture has endured for generations, cultivating a population  that is deeply invested in cricket, rugby, Australian rules football, soccer, tennis and more, providing the base from where the fun rivalry between our two countries stems.

According to Xpatweb’s research and interaction with clients, Australia is considered one of the best countries to live in due to its friendly people and well-paying jobs that promise immigrants a comfortable, modern lifestyle.

A stable economic, political and social environment has made Australia one of the most attractive locations for SMEs or start-ups looking to move or expand their business horizons.

Australian Business Visas

The Australian immigration system makes provision for skilled business people, who meet the criteria of its Business Innovation stream regulations, to live and work in the country.

These regulations allow for the granting of a provisional visa for people with business skills. This visa permits you  to operate a new or existing business in Australia.

The Business Innovation (subclass 188a) immigration route is available to anyone under the age of 55 looking to start or buy into a business in Australia. It is valid for four years and three months, and allows you and your family members to live, study and work in Australia, and eventually be eligible for permanent residence.

The main benefits for this program are the following:

  1. A maximum stay of 4 years and 3 months renewable
  2. Family members can also join while the main applicant is in the country
  3. Possible application for a permanent residence permit where applicable.

Here are the main requirements to apply for the Business Innovation stream:

  • You must be under the age of 55
  • You must score at least 65 points on the immigration points test
  • You must have had ownership of an established business or businesses that has/have at least AU $500,000 turnover for two out of the past four fiscal years.
  • You, your business partner, or both combined, must have total net business and personal assets of AU $800,000 that can be used to establish a business in Australia.

The Business Innovation (subclass 888) is for permanent residence. You can apply for the 888 after living in Australia for two years and if you and your business meets certain benchmarks such us:

  1. Applicant (and partner) have held at least AU $200,000 net main business assets for the last 12 months.
  2. The applicant’s main business has had at least two full-time Australian employees over the last 12 months.
  3. The applicant (and partner) have held at least AU $600,000 net business and personal assets over the last 12 months.
  4. Applicant and partner’s main business generated turnover of at least AU $300,000 for the last 12 months.
  5. The applicant must have spent one out of the two years preceding the application living in Australia.
  6. The applicant must have maintained ownership of the main business for a period of at least two years.

Other Visa Options

Other programs and visas such as the following can be considered where applicable:

  • Investor stream: This provisional visa requires you to invest at least 1.5 million AUD in an Australian State or Territory and maintain business or investment activity in Australia.
  • Significant Investor stream: This visa allows you to continue your investment activities in Australia permanently.
  • Premium Investor stream: This visa allows you to continue your investment activities in Australia permanently and for those who have held a subclass 188 visa in the Premium Investor stream for 12 months and have held a complying investment of AUD $15 million for the duration of your subclass 188 visa.
  • Entrepreneur stream: This visa allows holders and, in some cases, people who have held a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Entrepreneur stream, to stay permanently.
  • Short-term stream (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): This visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
  • Medium -Term Stream (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): This visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
  • Labour agreement stream (Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482): This visa is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour Agreement. It lets you live and work in Australia temporarily. Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government and employers.
  • Direct Entry stream (Employer nominated scheme visa – Subclass 186): This visa lets skilled workers, who are nominated by an employer, live and work in Australia permanently.
  • Labour Agreement stream (Employer nominated scheme Subclass 186): This visa lets skilled workers who are nominated by their employer live and work in Australia permanently. The Labour Agreement stream might be for you if you currently work, or will work, for an employer who is party to a labour agreement.

Xpatweb’s expatriate solution specialists and partners are trained professionals with intricate knowledge of Australian immigration law. We provide expert advice and visa application assistance focused on your personal circumstances and requirements.

CONTACT US FOR ASSISTANCE
Mauritius Finally Reopens its borders and welcome all travellers

Mauritius Finally Re-Opens Its Borders And Welcomes All Travellers

/in , /by

Travel will be allowed for Mauritian nationals, residents and tourists travelling to Mauritius for long stays provided that travellers meet the country’s testing and quarantine requirements.

Passengers will have to undergo a PCR test for Covid-19 seven days before travelling to the country. Upon arrival in Mauritius, a 14-day quarantine at a facility approved by the the government’s health authorities will be mandatory.

Mauritian borders will open in phases during 2021, with the first phase allowing entry to vaccinated travellers only between 15 July and 30 September 2021.

The first phase will enable travellers, including tourists who want to enjoy a resort stay on the island, to enter Mauritius if they are fully vaccinated. They are also required to undergo a quarantine period of 14 days within a government approved hotel.

The second phase will commence from October onwards and will include the full opening of the island to visitors. Travellers will be permitted to enter Mauritius and enjoy its facilities within their chosen resort premises, including the swimming pool and beach, provided that they present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. This applies only to travellers who are fully vaccinated.

Unvaccinated Travellers must comply with the following travel rules:

  1. Travellers must book a 14-day quarantine including meals and transfers in an officially designated hotel.
  2. Visitors will be required to stay in their hotel room for 14 days and meals will be delivered to the room
  3. Travellers will undergo a PCR Covid-19 test upon arrival, after seven days and on day 14 of quarantine.
  4. After a negative PCR test on day 14, travellers can freely explore the island, move to different accommodation, or go home.

Prior to departure, all travellers must ensure that they comply with the regulations. Airlines will communicate the rules when flights are booked.

The following health regulations will remain in force to ensure a Covid-19 free environment:

  • Passengers must wear a face masks at all times;
  • Passengers must sanitise their hands regularly;
  • Passengers must complete all the required health forms.

This latest announcement by the Mauritian government means that travellers who have missed out on earlier holiday plans to visit the island can now look forward to exploring its pristine white sand beaches, reefs, lagoons and architecturally designed temples.

CONTACT US FOR ASSISTANCE

Reasons More South Africans Are Choosing To Emigrate To Canada

/in , /by

Considering Canada as a viable destination

Canada is a country with a stable, growing economy, that is constantly looking globally to attract skilled individuals to contribute towards its success. The country’s need to attract skilled workers presents many South Africans with a prime opportunity to emigrate.

According to research by Xpatweb, South African immigrants in Canada have grown to have a significant presence in the country, increasing in numbers by 15.9% between 2001 to 2011. By 2011, the South African Canadian population was estimated to be about 40,550 and between 2006 and 2015, a further 11,265 new permanent residents from South Africa arrived in Canada.

Gaining entry into Canada

South Africans can gain entry into Canada, in several ways, including via employment offers and family class visa sponsorships, through Canadian immigration programmes that fall under certain visa categories. Individuals may also apply independently to become Canadian permanent residents.

South African skilled workers emigrating to Canada may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Express Entry category. Within this program, one may apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or one of the Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNP). Investment and entrepreneurial visa options are also available. Each category has it own unique entry requirements.

The Express Entry programme depends on factors such as nationality, age, language ability, family members, education, work experience and details on any job offer. Once the above details have been submitted to the Express Entry pool, a calculation of a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score will be issued based on the answers provided. If you meet the requirements, you will be invited to apply to be a permanent resident of Canada.

To determine your eligibility to emigrate to Canada and which programme will be best suited to your skills and personal criteria it is advisable to consult an immigration specialist.

Xpatweb has been the preferred visa service provider for many corporates and individuals considering Canada as an emigration option.