The South African Dream: From Residency To Citizenship

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What does it mean to be a permanent resident? 

Before you can apply for citizenship, you must have held permanent residency for a minimum of five years, and you can only apply for permanent residency after you have been legally working or living in South Africa for a further five years on a temporary residency. While there are exceptions, this is the longer route to follow. 

For example, if you are in South Africa on a general workers visa, you will qualify for temporary residence. After five years of living and working in the country, you can apply for permanent residency and live and work in South Africa for another five years, after which you are eligible to apply for citizenship. 

However, if you are in possession of scarce skills or qualifications, you qualified for a critical skills visa, in which case you also qualify for a permanent residency permit right from the start. The same counts for spouses/ life partners/ relatives of a South African citizen or permanent residency permit holder living in South Africa. 

The difference between permanent residency and citizenship 

As a permanent resident, you can enjoy most of the benefits of a citizen. You will have freedom of movement within the country of South Africa, as well as across her borders. However, you won’t be able to hold a South African passport or cast your vote in the local government elections. While there are numerous benefits to having a permanent residency permit, it is still not a permanent arrangement. 

Becoming a South African citizen will make your shift a more permanent one. Naturalisation can be a rewarding experience, particularly if you do not wish to remain in limbo, for the sake of your family’s well-being, as well as to provide certainty about your future. As a South African citizen, you will be able to vote in elections, carry a passport and make long-term plans around your citizenship status, such as buying a house through a bond application or a car. 

Exceptions where applicant qualifies for permanent residency from the start: 

  • Retirees who can prove that they are able to sustain themselves in South Africa 
  • Relatives (first or second kin relatives of PR holder) 
  • Spouses or life partners (of PR permit holders) 
  • Entrepreneurs (in SA on a Business Visa) 
  • Skilled foreign immigrants (on a Critical Skills Visa) 

Exceptions where applicant qualifies for citizenship from the start: 

  • Individuals in SA on Financially Independent Visas (applicant must prove that they can financially sustain themselves and their dependants) 
  • Spouses or life partners (of SA citizens) 
  • Relatives (first or second kin relatives of SA citizens) 
  • Individuals claiming citizenship by descent 

The naturalisation application qualifying criteria: 

  • Proof that you have been continuously residing in SA for 1 year prior to application 
  • You have been a permanent resident for 5 years (unless qualifying by other means) 
  • Must be proficient in at least one of South Africa’s 11 official languages 
  • A valid SAPS police clearance report, which must still be within 6 months from date of issue 

While citizenship seems like a lengthy process, there are ways to expedite this part of your application. An experienced immigration specialist with a sound knowledge about the residency and citizenship process in South Africa can save you a lot of time and effort in preparing and submitting your applications through the Department of Home Affairs. 

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Not Sure What Visa To Get For Mauritius-Here Are Some Options

Not Sure What Visa To Get For Mauritius? Here Are Some Options

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This vibrant snapshot is what makes Mauritius the melting pot of the African continent. The fact that it has turned into a modern-day way station on a digital trade route, further sets it apart as a prime destination for professional individuals.

With a stable finance sector, a strong tourism industry and a booming economy that has weathered the pandemic-induced storm, the country has established itself as a worldwide business hub for skilled foreign nationals. The Mauritian government, in turn, has systematically reviewed immigration requirements to make visas and residence easier to come by.

The year-round beach appeal of Mauritius has drawn many South Africans to the island country. With so many visas to choose from, they often find themselves unsure of which one to apply for.

Premium Visa

A premium visa offers individuals a lot of freedom in Mauritius. Not only is it valid for a 12-month period, but it can even be renewed beyond that. This visa is primed for individuals who wish to stay in the country while maintaining the luxury of working when and where they want, like tourists, retirees or professionals working remotely. The major selling point of the premium visa is that there are absolutely no processing fees applicable.

Premium Visa Requirements:

  • Must produce proof of your intentions in Mauritius (purpose of visit, etc.)
  • Have sufficient travel and health insurance for the endurance of your stay
  • Must not enter the Mauritian labour market
  • Your primary source of income or place of work/business, must be outside of Mauritius

Long Stay Visa

This visa option will enable non-citizens to stay in Mauritius for a consecutive period of 10 years. As with the premium visa, a long stay visa is renewable if the visa criteria are adhered to. A further attraction is that the visa also allows for dependents to accompany the main applicant.

Long Stay Visa Requirements:

  • To be eligible, applicants must have acquired an apartment for a price exceeding USD 500,000
  • The apartment must form part of a building complex that has at least two floors above ground level

Residency through occupation permits

For those seeking to make the move to Mauritius more permanent through a longer residency option, it is wise to ask yourself what you plan to do in the country. The country offers residency by means of investment, profession, retirement or property acquisition.

Residency for entrepreneurs and freelancers

For businessmen and high-profile entrepreneurs, this visa allows them the opportunity to obtain residency in Mauritius for 10 years. They can provide professional services to local and international clients while residing on the island. The occupation permit is renewable, but the individual must supply proof that their business met certain income criteria as a sustainable business.

Permit Requirements:

  • You must provide at least two letters of intent from local clients.
  • Min investment – USD 35,000
  • Application fee – MUR 20,000

Residency through investment

Investors hoping to diversify their portfolio by investing into a business activity on the island, can get the best of both worlds when they seek residency through investment.

Permit Requirements:

  • Min investment – USD 50,000
  • Application fee – MUR 20,000

Residency by profession

If you have a unique set of skills and qualify on merit of those skills, you are halfway there. You must find a job in Mauritius that meets the minimum salary threshold.

  • Employees in these industries must earn a basic monthly salary of no less than MUR 30,000: pharmaceutical manufacturing, fund accounting, business process outsourcing (BPO), and information and communication technologies (ICT).
  • For all other professions, employees must be offered a minimum basic monthly salary of at least MUR 60,000.

Your employer in Mauritius must submit a contract of employment with your application, which will cost you an application fee of MUR 20,000.

Where hopeful professional non-citizens have secured employment and they meet the above criteria, Mauritius will issue a 3-year renewable Occupation Permit, after which you can apply for a 20-year Permanent Residency Permit if you have earned a MUR 150,000 monthly salary for the entire 3-year period.

After having held residency in Mauritius for a period of three years and meeting specific criteria, you can apply for a Permanent Residency Permit (PRP). A PRP is valid for 20 years and offers permit holders absolute freedom to roam the island and to live as though citizens.

The visa or permit you choose will have an impact on your stay on the island, specifically where visa requirements must be adhered to in order for the permit or visa to remain valid. With so many options available to hopeful travellers, it is important to engage an immigration specialist to assist with the visa or permit application process.

Need help obtaining a visa?

Xpatweb is the largest independent work permit and immigration provider in South Africa offering a bespoke and comprehensive service to corporates and professionals.

The team consists of experienced and highly educated individuals who share a passion for specialised solutions in the expatriation and international mobility sector. We aim at providing our customers with the best personalised solution possible.

As a team, Xpatweb remains up to date on all new developments within the expatriation and international mobility trends worldwide. Maintaining close relationships with our clients and organisations allows us to provide the best possible customised business solutions and services.

Speak to one of our experts today to help you obtain the correct visa for your journey in Mauritius.

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Tips To Get Ready For Your UK Trip

Tips To Get Ready For Your UK Trip

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Following South Africa’s on again, off again travel relationship with the UK, many have opted to push their plans into the new year. While travel is permitted between the two countries, there are a couple of things to consider before booking your flights and packing your bags.

Know your Visas

While it’s important to know that England, Great Britain and the United Kingdom all refer to different things, it is equally important to understand what visa you are applying for. Other than an ancestral visa, which requires proof of ancestral ties to England, visas can be broken into two groups.

  1. Visitor Visas – The UK is the world’s eighth biggest tourist destination, so it is no wonder that there are a many visa options available for visitors. If you are travelling for leisure or short-term business, you would probably look at the different visitor’s visa options. These visas usually include temporary spousal or other family visas.
  2. Working Visas – If you possess a critical skill or qualification, it could entitle you to apply for a skilled worker visa. A valid job offer from an employer with a sponsorship license could secure you a temporary worker visa, though it depends whether the company will sponsor the visa application. In rare circumstances, such as for artists and celebrities, there is the possibility of qualifying for an exceptional talent visa, though this requires sponsorship from an empowered authority, like the British Arts Council.

It is a common misconception that a Schengen Visa will permit you entry into the UK. However, the UK does not fall in the Schengen Area. If you are in possession of a Schengen Visa, or are applying for one to travel across Europe, you will need a separate visa to transit through or visit the UK.

The UK government website is very helpful when trying to get your head around the finer points about certain visas or understanding the requirements for each. It is, however, advisable to get an experienced immigration consultant to assist with your application.

Travel in London

Travelling around London can be a bit jarring when using their public transportation system. Buses, taxis and trains are readily available, though it might be challenging to determine their intended destination, the fares of each mode of transport, or which would be fastest.

It is true that they also drive on the left side of the road, but that does not simplify the deliberate haste of first-world travel. Before leaving for the UK, read up on the London Tube etiquette, bus and taxi fares, and remember to always keep to the right if you move slower than other pedestrians on the Tube escalators.

COVID regulations

Travel has undergone numerous changes over the last two years. It is imperative to understand the impact of COVID when travelling from your country to another country. COVID regulations are in a constant state of flux and differ from country to country depending on what wave or variant they are facing. Booking a PCR test prior to boarding the plane and completing the test after arrival is still a general prerequisite to obtaining entry to the UK.

Quarantine requirements further add to the uncertainty for travellers. If you are confined to an obligatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival, your holiday planning needs to accommodate for this delay. The costs of quarantine are usually for the account of visitors and come with specific regulations. Professional travel agents are supposed to stay current with the latest changes and should be able to assist with your travel plans.

Be ready for the UK border control

UK border patrol operates independently and holds the authority to deny anyone entry, whether they are in possession of a UK visa or not. To avoid being denied entry, it is imperative to prepare yourself for the inevitable and to keep all documentation ready. These initial stringent regulations might seem like a deterrent, but it is important to note that there are no border controls between Scotland, Wales, and England. Once you enter the UK, you can travel about without concern.

The curious lingo and the diverse culture make for interesting learning experiences and shouldn’t be mulled over comprehensively. No amount of research will help you decide whether to stop for a cup of tea during lunch or grab a quick pint at the corner pub. Nor will it tell you if Buckingham Palace is more majestic than Big Ben. Regardless of your preferences, be sure to ask your immigration or travel consultant what they deem essential information.

Need help obtaining your visa?

Whatever type of visa you require or even if you’re unsure about the visa category you require, our team of experts, with more than 17 years of experience, are just the guys to assist. Speak to us about obtaining your visa today.

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