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10 Things You Need To Know About The New Critical Skills List

10/02/2022 in , /by

 

 

Marisa Jacobs
Marisa Jacobs
Director

1. Corporate General Manager is in!

The list includes both Corporate General Manager and Director as occupations in high demand. This comes as a huge relief after the occupation was left of the draft list causing panic for those currently holding a visa in this category as well as businesses who need these skills to operate optimally.  There have been new parameters placed hereon which include that it must be for those who have an offer of employment from a medium or large enterprise and that you must have a minimum NQF qualification of level 8.

2. Qualifications Minimum requirement

The new list requires a minimum NQF level qualification for each occupation ranging from level 3 to level 10 and mostly NQF level 8 and 9 required. The Act requires that a critical skills visa applicant in this category must have the necessary “qualification and/or experience” related to the position. The revised list now clearly defines that a qualification is required for each occupation on the list.

3. Engineering occupations remain prevalent

The list continues to include numerous Engineering occupations including Electrician Engineer, Chemical Engineer and Mining Engineer which were initially left of the draft list. The Xpatweb annual critical skills survey in 2021 confirmed that Engineering skills are of the most sought-after skills in South Africa and employers are looking for highly qualified engineers with many years experience. As we continue to see South African engineers recruited globally including places like the Netherland, we foresee arise in the shortage of experienced engineers in South Africa.

4. PR under the old Critical Skills list occupations

Those who hold critical skills visas under the old list (2014) and whose skills did not make it onto the new list, will still be allowed to apply for Permanent Residency if the qualify in line with the requirements of the new critical skills list. This is a concern for many as their critical skills visa might not be renewable if not included on the new list.

5. Firm Offer of Employment a must

New guidelines confirm that all applicants in the category Critical Skills Visa must have an offer of employment in hand at the time of making the application. Previously an applicant was allowed to apply without such an offer and was issued a one-year visa to allow them to secure employment before applying for a full 5-year visa. This is no longer allowed.

6. Foreign Language Speakers included

Call Centres raised concerns at the original exclusion of foreign language speaker from the draft list published in March 2021 as this would spell disaster for their need to serve European, Middle East and Asian markets. The new list now includes a revised occupation of outbound and inbound contact centre consultants respectively with specialist language skills listing the same listed as previously including German, Swiss German, Flemish, Greek, Swedish, Danish, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and French. Languages that did not make the list despite submission to include same are Portuguese, Arabic, Russian and Brazilian.

7. Teachers and Lecturers Back on

The quota list pre 2014 included teachers and was unpopularly removed from the list in 2014. All teachers had to go through the extensive General Work Visa process to gain a work visa. The new list sees STEM teachers for Grade 8 – 12 included with a NQF level 7 requirement as well as University Lecturers with NQF level 9 and 10.

8. Let’s Talk Post Qualification Experience

Applications for Permanent Residency under critical skills will require the inclusion of proof of post qualification experience that have been vetted by MIE or similar organisations. This is an additional step that was previously satisfied with a detailed CV and reference letters from past employers.

9. Withdrawal of Waiver for Critical Skills graduates in SA

Those who studied in a Critical Skills area were in the past, under Ministerial waiver, granted exemption from certain requirements such as past qualification experience and registration with a professional body. These exemptions have now been withdrawn and all applicants must comply with the requirements of the Act.

10. Teething Pains Expected

As with all law changes, we expect to see some initial teething problems and especially with adjudicating officials placed at Embassies all around the world, getting everyone on the same page in terms of the requirements to qualify for a visa under the revised list will have some issues in the coming months. Reach out to your service provider to guide you on how to navigate the new requirements for a first-time correct application and build in some timeline delays to ensure you are not caught off guard.

Ultimately, it is crucial for all South Africans to understand what skills our nation needs for our economic development and how we as South Africans can contribute productively, since our Critical Skills List is not just intended for Foreign Nationals but can also serve as a guide for Matriculants in their professional pathways to also plug the gap in line with skills shortage in the country.



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The Long-Awaited Critical Skills List Finally Gazetted

04/02/2022 in , /by

Foreign Nationals may now establish whether their profession is in demand, scarce and/or critical in South Africa and may be eligible to commence a career path in the country provided that their intended occupation is in line with what is deemed as a critical skill.

So, what’s changed, and what does it mean for my pending application?

Foreign nationals now have access to previously unattainable opportunities thanks to the new Critical Skills List. If you currently hold a Critical Skills Work Visa and your skill is no longer listed, you may be unable to renew your visa. Despite the removal of certain important categories from the List, the following noticeable occupations have been added to South Africa’s Critical Skills List:

  • Director (Enterprise /Organisation) Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director- NQF 9
  • Corporate General Manager (medium enterprises or larger) (Master of Business Administration NQF 8
  • Programme or Project Manager (Master’s Degree (NQF 9)
  • Quality Systems Manager (Master’s Degree (NQF 9) Quality Control Manager Quality Assurance Systems Auditor
  • Data Scientist Master’s Degree (NQF 9)

With the release of the new Critical Skills List, applicants who intend to apply for permanent residence in categories that are no longer on the list, may no longer be eligible. These visa holders must now reconsider an alternate visa category as well as their aspirations for permanent residence.

Ultimately, it is crucial for all South Africans to understand what skills our nation needs for our economic development and how we as South Africans can contribute productively, since our Critical Skills List is not just intended for Foreign Nationals but can also serve as a guide for Matriculants in their professional pathways to also plug the gap in line with skills shortage in the country.

It is also worth noting that the new categories and qualifying components may make the application procedure more onerous. Throughout your immigration journey, our immigration specialists can help you navigate these challenges and guide you through out the process.



ACCESS THE NEW CRITICAL SKILLS LIST NOW



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The South African Dream: From Residency To Citizenship

27/01/2022 in , /by

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

17/01/2022 in , /by

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

10/01/2022 in , /by

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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