WORK VISA

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General Work Visas

What is a General Work Visa?

A General Work Visa can be obtained by a foreign applicant who has an offer of employment in South Africa. General Work Visas may be issued for a maximum period of up to five years at a time and may be renewed from within South Africa. General Work Visas are endorsed to a specific position at a specific employer.

The most crucial aspect of applying for a General Work Visa is obtaining a Certificate of Recommendation from the Department of Labour (DOL). In practice, this certificate serves to show that there is no suitable South African candidate for the vacant position.

In terms of renewing a General Work Visa, it should be noted that applicants may apply to the Minister of Home Affairs for the Certificate of Recommendation requirement to be waived.


Why a General Work Visa?

  • General Work Visas allow for multiple entries into South Africa which means that holders of this visa can travel in and out of South Africa as frequently as needed
  • The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) have committed to processing General Work Visa applications within 4 weeks
  • Applicants who have held a General Work Visa for a period longer than five continuous years, may qualify for a Permanent Residence Permit

What are the main document requirements needed for a General Work Visa Application?

  • Certificate of Recommendation from the DOL
  • Copy of a contract of employment clearly stipulating that the offer of employment is contingent on the successful application for a General Work Visa
  • Proof that the vacant position was advertised in a newspaper of national circulation

halloSA’s hot tip

General Work Visas are widely regarded as strenuous and difficult to obtain but halloSA has vast experience and an impressive track record in successfully guiding applicants to obtaining General Work Visas.

Contact Us for a free assessment to find out how halloSA can assist you with your General Work Visa Application.


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Critical Skills Work Visa

What is a Critical Skills Work Visa?

This visa is reserved for certain occupations that have been deemed scarce in the South African economy and are listed on the South African Critical Skills List. While applying for this visa comes with its own unique set of challenges, Critical Work Visas do not require an offer of employment, unlike General Work Visas. It is important to note that Critical Skills Work Visas are only issued for a period of one year, and that applications for renewal of such a visa must be completed within South Africa.

While there are many occupations included in the Critical Skills List, there are 12 main categories under which one may apply:
  1. Agriculture, Agricultural Operations and Related Sciences;
  2. Architecture and the Built Environment;
  3. Business, Economics and Management Studies;
  4. Information Communication & Technology;
  5. Engineering;
  6. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences;
  7. Life and Earth Sciences;
  8. Professionals and Associate Professionals;
  9. Trades;
  10. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO);
  11. Academics and Researchers;
  12. Post-Graduate.

Why a Critical Skills Work Visa?

  • Critical Skills Work Visas allow for multiple entries into South Africa which means applicants are at liberty to travel in and out of South Africa as frequently as they wish
  • Upon receiving a permanent offer of employment, Critical Skills Work Visa holders (and their dependent family members) immediately qualify for Permanent Residence
  • Critical Skills Work Visa applicants are not required to obtain a Certificate of Recommendation from the DOL.
  • An offer of employment is not needed, and applicants will be able to reside in South Africa while searching for suitable employment opportunities

What are the main document requirements needed for a Critical Skills Work Visa application?

  • Proof that an applicant’s foreign qualifications have been evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
  • Applicants are required to prove that they possess the necessary qualifications and/or experience within one of the prescribed categories on the Critical Skills List
  • Registration with a professional body, council or board as recognised by SAQA, whose function it is to confirm that the applicant possesses the necessary skills and/or qualifications in the category that they are applying under.

halloSA’s hot tip

Critical Skills Work Visas are the centrefold in the efforts by the Government of South Africa to attract skilled foreigners to our shores. Should your occupation fall within one of the above categories, or even if you are unsure, please contact us for a free assessment so that we may evaluate your eligibility for a Critical Skills Work Visa.

It is also worth noting that the DHA have committed themselves to a processing time of a maximum of four weeks for Critical Skills Work Visa applications.


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Intra-company Transfer Work Visa

What is an Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa?

Intra-Company Transfer Work Visas (ICT) allow for the transfer of an employee(s) of a foreign multinational corporation to one of its South African branches/subsidiaries/affiliates. It is important to note that ICT Visas cannot be applied for from within South Africa and that applicants will be required to submit their ICT Visa Applications to the appropriate South African mission in either their country of origin or the country where they permanently reside.

Why an Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa?

  • ICT Visas allow for multiple entries into South Africa which means applicants are at liberty to travel in and out of South Africa as frequently as they wish
  • The document requirements of this type of work visa is substantially less arduous than that of the other work visa categories
  • ICT Visas can be issued for a maximum of up to four years

What are the main document requirements needed?

  • The applicant must provide proof that they have been employed by the foreign corporate entity for more than six months prior to the date of application
  • A written undertaking by the South African branch/subsidiary/affiliate that they will reimburse the DHA for any cost that may be incurred in the case of the deportation of the applicant and/or their family members
  • Documentary evidence that a Skills Transfer Plan is in place to ensure that the skills possessed by the foreign applicant is transferred to a South African citizen or permanent resident

halloSA’s hot tip

ICT Visas are becoming increasingly popular and remain a viable option for multi-national corporations who need their foreign employees to complete work assignments in South Africa.

Contact us today to find out how halloSA can assist you or your employees with their ICT Visa applications.

Contact us for a free assessment so that we may evaluate your eligibility for a Critical Skills Work Visa.

View the Critical Skills List (PDF document)



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