Work Permits For South Africa And Further Abroad

Work Permits For South Africa And Further Abroad

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What is a work permit?

Visas are documents that enable individuals to enter a country without necessarily having secured a contract of employment with a company. These individuals usually pay for the Visa applications themselves and are tasked with proving their ability to take care of themselves.

Work permits are exclusively based on the employment process of the individual. The approval or issuing of a work permit solely depends on the outcome of an individual’s job application. It is also not uncommon for the employer to pay or reimburse funds towards the work permit application.

Contrary to popular belief, a work permit does not entitle individuals to enter a country and start looking for work once they set foot on foreign soil. The most important concept to grasp is this: A work permit is for one specific job with one specific employer in one specific country, which is only valid for a specific period.

If anything sours the relationship between you and your employers, or your employment contract is terminated for whatever reason, then you would have to find another position and apply for a new work permit, or you will be forced to leave the host country. Failing which, you could land yourself in hot water with local authorities and face deportation and be barred from re-entering that country.

Work permits into South Africa

Immigration laws put forth by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) govern the process of entering South African borders, especially when it is for the purposes of earning an income. Foreign workers must therefore apply and be granted the appropriate visa or work permit before starting in their work.

Work permits into Africa

While South Africa forms part of the African Union and have a vested interest in a multitude of trades and commerce across Africa, it’s dangerous to assume that it prequalifies you as a job applicant. If an African company does not have a particular skillset available to them in the local talent pool, it means your skills and qualifications will be matched against applicants from around the globe.

Work permits further abroad

If you feel the world is your oyster, you might find yourself casting applications overseas. While securing a work permit overseas sounds unattainable or even complicated, it all comes down to your ability to do a job better than anyone else in the country you are applying to.

Once you have concluded interviews and secured a binding sponsorship from an employer, the rest of the work permit application process will only change according to that country’s immigration laws.

The barrier of skills and qualifications

Skills is the buzz word blocking every jobseeker’s path to the future they hope for. Without the relevant skillsets or qualifications, it is practically impossible to find an employer to sponsor and subsequently assist you with a work permit application. With the necessary experience or degrees, it is possible to find placement with a reputable firm who can simplify or ensure compliance to the host country’s immigration laws.

Obtaining a sponsorship alone from a licensed employer, does not automatically qualify you to work for that company, or to be in that country. Some professional expatriates often reason that immigration regulations do not apply to them, but quickly discover that working without a legal permit can result in immediate deportation.

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Top Tips To Consider When Applying For A Work Permit

Top Tips To Consider When Applying For A Work Permit

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Eager to find international career advancement, or simply to earn a foreign salary, they put their skills and qualifications on the line and begin applying for work overseas. Once successful, they are faced with the conundrum of a work permit.

In applying for a work permit, you could encounter unforeseen challenges. Here are some work permit tips to help you on your journey.

Understanding the relevant work permit

It is vital to have full understanding of the permit you are applying for. Changes to work permits could create a possible snare for you in the host country. It could also complicate the relationship with your foreign employer and put you right back where you started, with less money in your pocket.

If your employer does not assist in the work permit application, then carefully research the different work permits available to you before submitting your documentation. Be sure to weigh up the requirements and the benefits of each permit.

For instance, if you work for a business expanding a global footprint and apply for an intracompany transfer to assist with their expansion plans, then you could qualify for a special project visa, which is valid for shorter periods and usually easier to apply for.

Travel arrangements

Do not make travel arrangements until the work permit has been issued. There are too many tales of stranded expatriates, or their families, who were denied entry into a country because of a minor detail, like a missing document or incorrect information on a work permit. This can become very expensive and put your employment contract at risk.

Consult an accredited visa or permit services provider, as well as a professional travel agency, when finalising your work permit application. The two components of work and travel should complement each other and be managed accordingly, not leave you bidding your family farewell at the airport gates.

The work permit application process

Most countries require that foreign job applications and work permit applications be submitted at the embassy or consulate of the applicant’s home country. While this is not always the case, it is important to understand what is required from you during the application process. Your age, immigration status, skills and qualifications, even the country you reside in, could contribute to the decision-making process when applying for a work permit.

Questions to ask when applying for a work permit:

  • Does the work permit make allowance for my spouse to accompany me?
  • How long is the work permit valid for?
  • Are my skills/qualifications listed as critical skills in the host country?
  • What other limitations/restrictions are included in the work permit?
  • Will my new employers reimburse the costs of applying for the work permit?
  • What documentation will be required for the application?

Because immigration laws vary from country to country, requirements for work permits also vary depending on the country you are applying to work in. Unless you have ample experience with work and visa applications, it is always better to rope in the help of an established immigration specialist who can answer the more pertinent questions.

With a team of experts on hand, we provide a turnkey solution to professional expatriates applying for work permits or visas in foreign countries. It is our mission to eliminate concerns before they arise.

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The Release of The 2021 CS List

The Release Of The 2021 Critical Skills List Is Expected To Be Released Within The Last Quarter of 2021

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Marisa Jacobs

Marisa Jacobs

Director

During a 17 August webinar, hosted by the Forum for Expatriate Management and chaired by the Director of Xpatweb, Marisa Jacobs, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) confirmed that the final list will be tabled on forum for the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) within the last quarter of 2021.

If unhindered by further delays, the list will be Gazetted by the Minister of the DHA, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. Until such time that the new list is Gazette, the 2014 list remains the list that will be used for all critical skills submission and adjudication procedures.

Why is the Critical Skills List so important?

The CSL is a list of occupations that are considered critical while there is a limited number of similarly skilled and qualified local candidates to choose from.

Every employer in South Africa who employs critically skilled individuals and who is tasked with attracting and retaining these skills, is impacted significantly by the CSL and the immigration legislation changes that follow its release. The list enables them to source the listed skillsets from abroad and bring in specialists to fill those positions.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) plans to provide updated CSL reports to DHA on a bi-annual basis subject to availability of research funding. Consequently, this will simplify the work visa application process for those individuals with critical skills that are in high demand.

Further to this, the DHET can utilise the CSL when allocating funds towards higher educational needs. Meaning, if the CSL indicates that there is a paucity of engineers across a specific engineering sector, DHET can provide scholarships, bursaries or other forms of incentives to individuals within that industry to accommodate for an ongoing demand.

How was the Critical Skills List compiled?

DHET used detailed methodologies, exercises and activities to assess the current employment trends when preparing a draft list of skills shortages. They received input and commentary from the public, governmental stakeholders, lobby groups, professional bodies, higher learning institutes, black management forums, unemployed South African graduates, and other private business formations. It is important to note, that the DHET was supportive of input from selected sources with relevant contributions to the creation of the CSL.

By partnering with large multi-national companies across South Africa, Xpatweb conducted ground-breaking annual critical skills surveys. Their research was key to ascertain the shortage of critical skills that were still very much in demand, which were subsequently re-included in the draft Critical Skills List. This marked the only private sector company that formed part of the formal consultation process with the research now forming part of legislation.

The feedback and research were consolidated, considered and then measured against data on all listed occupations, before making a draft CSL later published by the DHA.

The lasting effect of lockdowns and looting

In compiling the CSL, the methodologies used were overtaken by unforeseen events. Not only has the COVID-induced lockdown played a part in delaying the release of the CSL, but it has created a knock-on effect on all types of commerce, which resulted in business closures and job losses.

Companies were forced to let go of employees with skills that were considered to be in short supply. Suddenly there was a pool of available SA citizens with skills that were listed in the CSL, which means the occupation in question, may no longer be required to be mentioned in the list.

Using a report from National Treasury, the DHET has been working to determine which industries would be affected by the lockdown over a longer period. Researchers had to separate the data that would be affected by lockdown and measure it against the trend of economic conditions, then deduce what the result would be on those occupations.

However, the public unrest and violent lootings that rocked South Africa during July 2021, was the nail in the coffin for many businesses. This adversely affected the supply and demand of jobs, which according to Stats SA figures, has had an immediate effect on unemployment. Economists and employment specialists speculate that the unrest alone had placed nearly 50 000 jobs at risk.

In light of these events, the research towards compiling the CSL had to be adjusted once more. A final draft CSL has been handed over to the DHA for consideration, where they consulted with various government departments, such as the Departments of Health, Tourism, Public Enterprises and NEDLAC for additional input.

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Pathway to European Citizenship

Pathway to European Citizenship

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Citizenship planning is also unique for every investor. An investor needs to consult with their immigration expert, Tax Lawyer, accountant, or wealth advisor to establish a financial plan that will meet all their personal, family and business objectives.

One of the most sought after citizenship and residency solutions is the Portugal Golden Visa. Portugal is a beautiful country in southern Europe bordering Spain, one of your gate ways into the EU. Portugal has been voted one of the best countries to live in by expats due to its great climate, sunny summer days and mild winters, and not to mention the beautiful beaches that stretch out for days. It is predominately a Roman Catholic country with Celtic, Lusitanian, Phoenician, Germanic, Visigoth, Viking, Sephardic, Jewish and Moorish influence, the official language in Portugal is Portuguese and many of the citizens can speak English, French, and Spanish.

The Portuguese culture creates a vibrant atmosphere as it involves so many different aspects such as art, religion, literature and even soccer. Portugal has great opportunities for foreigners that are looking in acquiring and additional residency.

South Africans seeking to emigrate or simply acquire an additional residency, who are unable to meet the skills points criteria to move to the more traditionally popular destinations, are now increasingly seeking out alternative global locations that offer both the lifestyle and security that they desire for their families, hence Portugal has become a popular choice.

Different Pathways to the Portugal Golden Residence Permit:

The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program is a minimum of 5 years residence investment program for non-EU-Citizens. The Golden visa rewards applicants with residence permits. As of April 2020, the initial residence permits became valid for two years (used to be one year) and the subsequent permits became valid for three years each.  After 5 years, the applicant will be able to apply for both their permanent residency and citizenship otherwise the Golden Visa will need to be renewed.

There are currently numerous investment pathways to acquire the Portugal Golden Visa, the most popular are the below:

  • Real estate investment (280,000 Euros – 500,000 EUR)
  • Starting a new business (350, 000 EUR & creating 5-10 jobs)
  • Private equity fund investment (350,000 EUR)

The private equity option has become very popular in 2021 due to its simplicity.  Due to it’s popularity, the Portuguese government has confirmed that the amount for the fund option will be increased to 500,000 EUR in January 2022. For those interested it is now the time to invest.

Basil Mohr-Elzeki, VP Global sales at Stuart International, mentions the following benefits of the fund option:

  • Risk: By investing in a fund, you have access to different asset classes which provides diversification, stability & in turn, lower risk.
  • Cost: The fund option is more affordable with an amount of 350,000 EUR, which will increase in 2022 to 500,000 EUR.
  • Time: When compared to starting a business or buying a property, there is much less work involved, it is one of the most passive ways to come to Portugal.

Overall if risk, cost or time is a criteria, private equity can be a viable option for your pathway to Portugal. Keep in mind, the clock is ticking as the minimum will increase in 2022 – by starting the process now you save over 40% on the investment amount.

Processing time:

The Golden visa for Portugal processing time can take anywhere from 8 to 10 months.

Additional Benefits:

    1. Family members can be included on the Golden visa for spouse/legal partner, children under the age of 18 years, dependent children that are under the age of 26 years and are able to prove that the dependent will be studying or that the dependent is continually dependent on the parents, parents of either spouse if over 66 years of age (or 55 years and dependent) and siblings under the age of 18 years from either spouse or partner if they are legal guardians as determined by the courts.
    2. Access to the Schengen countries and visa free travel to 183 nations.
    3. Attractive tax regime for non-habitual residence.
    4. Grants the right to live, work and study in the country.
  • If you are a holder of the Golden Visa in Portugal and are residing in the country, where you spend more than 183 days every year in the country, you are covered by Portugal’s healthcare system, with amazing discount rates. If you are not living in Portugal, you need private health insurance in Portugal to cover you.
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UK Residency: What You Need To Know About Immigration And Banking

UK Residency: What You Need To Know About Immigration And Banking

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Despite the general stumbling blocks of ex-pat life, such as packing, moving, passports, flights, finding a property, and researching schools, the realities and the ordeal of preparing for life in another country may become daunting, but it does not have to be.

Unizest and Xpatweb have joined forces to simplify the visa and banking application processes for South Africans wishing to relocate to the UK in an extended all-in-one service offering.

Secure Your Residency

It is a known fact that to be able to relocate to another country, you need to get your immigration papers in order and with the strict UK immigration legislation, it can become a frustrating and taxing process when not following correct processes.

There are a variety of visa types available to secure your residency, whether you intend to start your job as a skilled worker, join your spouse, or to secure residency based on your ancestral history, it is recommended that you consult one of Xpatweb’s experts to ensure you apply for the correct UK visa in line with your circumstances.

Banking Solutions

Moving abroad isn’t for the faint-hearted, and whilst the above is imperative to the relocation process, so is banking. Overseas banking is probably the biggest stressor and hurdle to cross, however the easiest to overlook. Without the ease of finances, you are stranded, and as everything costs money, shelling out wads of SA Rands will do you no good when GB Pounds rule the streets.

Opening a bank account in the UK while still in SA preparing for the big move, can take between 3 to 6 months if you don’t have a residential history. Despite agents trying their best to expedite the processes, it becomes time-consuming and difficult to navigate from SA while you are eagerly waiting to settle in your host country.

Herein lies the conundrum of finding placement in the UK and there is no scarier experience than arriving in a foreign country with not enough money and the rest of your money trapped in a South African account. Through experience, we have seen the consequences of an extended timeframe and the drastic effect it can have on your finances.

Even if you have arranged with your SA banking institution that you will be transacting in the UK, every single transaction will cost you a small fortune and before clearing out your eyes, your reserves have been spent.

If you were thinking Bitcoin will be able to solve this problem, think again. Digital currencies have many pitfalls as most businesses do not yet accept crypto payments nor pay remuneration over in cryptocurrency, despite it being an erratic investment platform.

Non-UK workers or students have tried to find other, more questionable, ways around this age-old dilemma of getting available finances in the UK, which usually end in double taxation, penalties, or even criminal charges.

Coming Together

It is Xpatweb and Unizest’s mission to find solutions for expatriates to have a painless relocation experience. Xpatweb is the largest immigration agency in South Africa and appreciates the personal impact and importance of obtaining a legally correct visa, while not overburdening the client with paperwork with end-to-end facilitation.

While Xpatweb facilitates your immigration paperwork, Unizest is an established tech-based payment platform that offers an e-current account app for workers and students new to the UK. The Unizest e-current account app can be used in the same way as digital banking apps for day-to-day management of money, direct debits, international transfers and more. The simple and secure in-app sign up process enables you to open your e-current account in the UK, while in the SA, and avoiding the lengthy 3 to 6 month timeframe.

As an account holder, you can transfer funds in and out, even if in limbo, and start working and earning immediately. Your employer can also pay your earnings into your Unizest account and you will have access to it right away. Once you know your UK address, you can order your contactless Debit Mastercard to arrive there.

With a modest and affordable fee structure together with easy usage, the benefits of creating an account without facing the usual delays are countless.

In partnership with Xpatweb and Unizest, we provide an all-inclusive service to expatriates wishing to relocate to the UK, and overcoming the predicament of establishing a UK account is a massive leap towards helping clients settle in faster.

Unizest

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