I speak with couples from all over the world on a daily basis who are planning to move to South Africa.  If one person is a South African citizen and they are married or in a relationship, then they qualify for a Spousal Visa or a Life Partner Visa. So, how does this relate to Job Recruitment Specialists you may ask?

For most foreigners looking to work in South Africa, they would need to qualify for one of  4 work permits. These are the General Work permit, the Exceptional Skills permit, the Quota permit, or the Intra Company Transfer permit.  You will tell these individuals that they need to hold this permit before you will be able to place them for a position.  I’m sure this sounds familiar.

It’s completely different for individuals holding a Life Partner Visa or Spousal Visa in South Africa. They have different rights. Home Affairs wants these individuals to be able to take up work and bring in extra income to the household. Holders of this visa just need a job offer from the company. A letter of motivation wishing to hire them or a contract is all they need and they can add working rights to their visa.   So yes, they have the right to work without needing a separate work permit.  Now it will take some time to get these working rights added on, but it’s a much simpler process than obtaining the usual work permit.  Please contact us if you have a potential employee holding this permit and we will be happy to clarify everything. If you know  a recruitment specialist pass on this info please.