South Africa’s skills crisis was brought into sharp focus when Xpatweb released the results from its 2020/2021 Critical Skills Survey. The survey was conducted across 220 multinational and JSE-listed companies and assisted in affecting much-needed change to policy and the current Critical Skills list.
Xpatweb is currently running the 2023 Critical Skills Survey so that companies and organisations can continue contributing to change. Many companies have already participated, and we have already seen some eye-opening statistics.
Among the companies that have taken the 2023 Critical Skills survey, preliminary results show:
- 78% of participants stated that their organisation struggles to recruit critically skilled individuals.
- 73% indicated that an international search will assist the organisation in meeting critical business objectives.
- 82% of participants confirmed succession planning and skills transfer is a priority for their business.
These preliminary results are tracking similarly to the previous survey. Additionally, this year’s survey included a group of questions specifically relating to spouses of assignees. The initial statistics indicate that there is undoubtedly a need for a remote working visa in South Africa to retain and attract highly skilled foreign workers and their families:
- 93% stated that the spouse/partner of a Critical Skills Visa holder should be authorised to work in the host country upon recognition of their dependent status; and
- 81% stated that dual career and partner issues have always been and are becoming even more critical to their organisations.
The results from previous surveys have been instrumental in effecting the much-needed change several industries and organisations needed. This year’s survey may be just as influential.
