critical skills survey

The release of the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) interim report on allegations of permit and visa irregularities and findings of malfeasance within the Department of Home Affairs is a defining moment for the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system.

Paper-heavy services, ink-stained forms, and long queues when accessing government services may soon be relics of the past.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent a clear and uncompromising message to employers across South Africa to comply with immigration and labour laws or face the consequences.

South Africa has taken a welcome step toward easing long-standing restrictions that make it difficult for spouses of Critical Skills Work visa holders from working in the country. Excluding accompanying partners — many of whom are highly skilled in their own right – from the labour market has long been seen as undermining the country’s competitiveness in attracting scarce global talent.

Demonstrating economic merit and contribution to South Africa is set to become a central requirement in immigration policy, with proposals to assess applications for work visas, and permanent residency on criteria strongly linked to how foreign nationals contribute to the country’s economy.