Workers with a company with an overseas branch and a branch in South Africa might be able come over to South Africa on an Intra Company Work Permit. It can even be through a subsidiary or affiliate of the main company.  The period for which this permit is given is for 2 years.  It will require a Letter from the company abroad confirming that the applicant will be transferred to the branch of that company or an affiliated company situated in South Africa. This permit is nice in that it allows for workers to be sent through from branch to branch without the hassle of the general work permit.

This permit does not lead to Permanent Residency and is not renewable. The same worker can apply for this permit more than once though.  There is a fee for us to assist with this permit and a government fee. The Company will need to specify the occupation and capacity of work that the worker will be doing and specify that it won’t be longer than 2 years. If you need to bring workers in and think your company will qualify for this, feel free to contact us and we will assist.

sarah@nwisouthafrica.co.za

The Quota Work Permit is approved for a pre-determined numbers of foreign workers who have the required qualifications and at least 5 years of experience in a specific position. In applying for this permit, the prospective employer in South Africa is under no obligation to advertise the vacancy and the skilled worker does not need a job offer to obtain this permit. The first step is checking the current list to see if your profession is scarce. See www.nwisouthafrica.co.za .

If you are on the list and have at least 5 years of experience, then you can apply. These are typically valid for 5 years and are renewable. If offered a permanent position while on this permit, one may apply for Permanent Residency.  A Quota work permit has an indefinite duration as it remains valid as long as the person stays employed within the same category or profession it was applied and approved for. Within 90 days of admission, the holder of a quota work permit shall submit to the Department of Home Affairs confirmation of having secured employment within the category or class contemplated and, within every 12 months thereafter, confirmation of continued employment within that category or class. The holder of a quota work permit may change employer provided he or she remains employed in the same occupational category. If you hold these skills and would love to live and work in sunny South Africa, contact us.

sarah@nwisouthafrica.co.za

The General Work Permit is not for “general” work at all. You need a job offer from a registered company in a niche position that you qualify for.  You will need to show that you possess the qualifications for the position and the company needs to show that they attempted to hire an SA Citizen first and could not fill the position. 5 years on a General Work Permit makes you eligible to apply for Permanent Residency.

Similar is the Corporate Work Permit but it is the Employer who holds this permit and can hire MANY foreign workers and put them on this permit.  If one holds the Corporate Permit for 5 years and the company offers a permanent position, then one can apply for Permanent Residency.

Quota Work Permits require 5 years of relevant work experience in your field and you must be on the current Quota Skills Shortage list. If you receive a permanent job offer from the company, you can apply for Permanent Residency immediately. Once awarded this visa, you are given 90 days to find work.

Exceptional Skills Permits require you to have publications in your name within your field of study. You can apply for Permanent Residency if you qualify for this permit and you can change jobs on the same permit.

Intra Company Work Permits require a company branch overseas and a branch in South Africa. These are more short term for 2 years and cannot be renewed one after the other.  These will not lead to Permanent Residency.

Contact New World Immigration so we can put you on the right path to finding the suitable work permit for you or your potential employees.  There are other ways to obtain working rights if you hold a Spousal or Life Partner visa. Give us a ring and we will walk you through the process.

Sarah Farthing
SA Work Permit Specialist

(021) 555 0951 or sarah(a)nwisouthafrica.co.za

President Jacob Zuma offered his congratulations to the new Venezuelan President, Mr, Nicolas Maduro this Monday.  Zuma is focused on strengthening ties between the two countries. What does this mean for each country? Venezuela is interested in joining up with South Africa to participate in the BRICS summit. This is the group of upcoming countries Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa that look for ways to grow business ties among the countries. If Venezuela could be involved, they would look primarily at the mining industry, technology, and cultural relations. This would bring more jobs to South Africa and be beneficial to both parties. In the past South Africa and Venezuela have worked together in the Petroleum belt of the Orinoco River. Their focus was on upstream oil, energy, and gas.

Back in 2008, the South African president at the time Thabo Mbeki stated that relations with Venezuela had   "taken on a strategic character ... The relationship is real, actual and practical. We spoke of a strategic partnership, which means we will learn from each other."

It is hopeful to see that President Zuma is taking on a similar role to strengthen the relationship. If you are considering coming to South Africa to start a business or work as a skilled worker here, you should have confidence in this country that is trying to do the right thing and have more opportunities available by reaching out to countries with new representation like Venezuela.

Australia is known for their rugby. For expats from South Africa living in Australia lately, the buzz has been focused on the Cheetahs. The Toyota Free State Cheetahs won their first Super Rugby match in Western Australia when they beat the Force 10-19 in Perth on Saturday. Riaan Smit kicked four penalties and converted Willie Le Roux's late try to seal the South Africans third victory out of four on their Super Rugby tour of Australasia. These are now names that you hear about in Australia. They have taken notice. "We committed a lot of errors and made mistakes, but I am thrilled with the victory," said Cheetahs hooker and skipper Adriaan Strauss after the win before a small holiday crowd.

"Equalling the record of four consecutive wins is tremendous and a tribute to the spirit between the experienced and young players in the squad. The older ones are bringing out the best in the youngsters and vice versa."The result is the Cheetahs third successive victory over the Western Force and the Cheetahs third victory on tour. This weekend the Cheetahs are back home and will face the Stormers. The Cheetahs have now beaten the Highlanders, Waratahs and the Force on tour and only lost to the current Super Rugby champions the Chiefs on their away leg.  The Stormers need to be on their top form. South Africans are very passionate about their rugby. If group of South African expats get together in Australia, chances are rugby will be on the agenda. It must have made them proud to see the Cheetahs do so well there.