General Work Visa South Africa | Points-Based System Eligibility

GENERAL WORK VISA

The South African General Work Visa lets foreigners fill roles where no locals qualify. With a 100% success rate, our experts simplify the complex process, offering smooth, compliant expatriation. We stay up to date, ensuring your visa is handled with confidence and peace of mind.

BENEFITS OF A SOUTH AFRICAN WORK VISA

Allows visa holders to freely exit and re-enter South Africa during the visa validity period.

Holding a General Work Visa for more than five consecutive years may make you eligible to apply for South African Permanent Residency.

A Ministerial Waiver has removed the requirement to obtain a Department of Employment and Labour Certificate, streamlining the General Work Visa application process.

The average processing time for a South African General Work Visa is approximately 8 to 12 weeks.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN REQUIREMENTS?

Proof of evaluation of the candidate’s foreign qualifications by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is required as part of the application process.

A copy of the applicant’s existing offer of employment must be included in the visa application.

Proof that the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the newly introduced Points-Based System must be included with the application.

HOW WILL THE NEW REGULATIONS PUBLISHED BY THE DHA ON 09 OCTOBER IMPACT MY APPLICATION? BREAKDOWN OF THE POINTS-BASED SYSTEM

Breakdown of the Points-Based System

On 9 October 2024 (revised on 18 October 2024), the Department of Home Affairs gazetted new Immigration Regulations and a Ministerial Waiver, significantly changing how General Work Visa applications are processed. 

All General Work Visa applications submitted after this date will now be assessed under a newly introduced Points-Based System. The previously required certificate from the Department of Employment and Labour has been fully waived for all applicants. 

To qualify for a General Work Visa under the new system, applicants must achieve a minimum of 100 points. Points are awarded based on several criteria, including: 

  • Educational qualifications 
  • Annual gross salary 
  • Years of relevant work experience 
  • Language proficiency 
  • Whether the job offer is from a Trusted Employer 

Qualifications

  • NQF Level 9 or higher: 50 points
  • NQF Level 7 or 8: 30 points
  • Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA, as per the National Qualifications Framework Act.

Work Experience

  • 5 to 10 years: 20 points
  • More than 10 years: 30 points

Language Proficiency

  • Proficiency in one of South Africa’s official languages: 10 points

Employment Offer and Salary

  • Gross annual salary of R976,194 or more: 50 points
  • Gross annual salary between R650,796 and R976,194: 20 points

Trusted Employer Scheme

  • Employment offer from a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme: 30points

Further notable changes

The Department of Home Affairs has officially waived the requirement to submit a certificate from the Department of Employment and Labour, as previously mandated under Regulation 18(3)(a) of the Immigration Regulations. This significant change eliminates the need for a separate waiver application, streamlining the General Work Visa process and reducing administrative burdens for foreign nationals seeking employment in South Africa. 

In response to ongoing delays in obtaining SAQA evaluation certificates, the Department has also implemented a provisional solution. Applicants who can provide proof that they have submitted their foreign qualifications for evaluation to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) may be issued a 12-month General Work Visa. Once the SAQA evaluation is complete and submitted, the visa may be renewed for the full 5-year period, offering greater certainty and flexibility for skilled foreign professionals. 

Our core focus remains on providing legally compliant immigration and permanent residency solutions to corporates, professionals, and high-net-worth families.

CONTACT US

Disclaimer:

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