South Africa Announces Visa Reforms to Attract Global Talent

Guidelines for the points calculation for General Work Visa and Critical Skills Work Visa.

On October 9, 2024, the South Africa government announced cutting-edge visa reforms for creating jobs. South Africa is overhauling the visa regime to attract skilled talent.

A new points-based system has been introduced for Work Visas. The points scale is designed to be transparent and objectively determine who qualifies for a Critical Skills or General Work Visa. There will be a reduction in the documents needed to apply. The processing is expected to be expedited.

What is the new points-based system for South Africa work visas?

Under the points-based system, 100 points must be scored by those applying for a Critical Skills Work Visa or a General Work Visa.

The points criteria is different for both the pathways -

• Critical Skills Work Visa: occupation listed on the critical skills list
• General Work Visa: points given on specific factors assessed

The South Africa government’s Department of Home Affairs has published the assessment criteria and points allocation. These will be in effect from October 8, 2024.

While the criteria differ, 100 points are needed to qualify for either visa. Documentary requirements include the submission of a Medical Report and Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).

Critical Skills Work Visa Points Criteria

Those intending to apply under the Critical Skills Work visa must score a minimum of 100 points based on their occupation being listed on the South Africa Critical Skills List.

A skilled worker unable to score the required points can apply for a South Africa General Work Visa instead.

General Work Visa Points Criteria

Those applying for the General Work Visa will have to score at least 100 points on a points-based system. Factors assessed include -

• Educational qualifications,
• Years of work experience,
• Employer status,
• Salary level, and
• Language skills.

An offer of employment is mandatory.

South Africa Critical Skills Work Visa | Points Calculation:

What are the benefits of the new points-system for South Africa Work visas?

The benefits include -

1. Streamlined processing
2. Transparency
3. Reduction in documentation: a letter from the Department of Labour is no longer required
4. Expedited process

The new points criteria is expected to boost the local economy. It will now be much easier for international talent to move to South Africa. The South African government is looking to attract critical talent in the high-demand areas of engineering, technology, and healthcare. The streamlined process will make it easier for South African companies to hire workers for in-demand highly-skilled positions.

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