Working in South Africa

Summary: Because South Africa now has a thriving economy there are a growing number of job vacancies available for specifically skilled workers; this is why the numbers of people interested in emigrating and working in South Africa annually increases.

The popularity of South Africa as a destination for international expatriates has grown in intensity as the country has rebuilt itself economically and politically.

Because South Africa now has a thriving economy there are a growing number of job vacancies available for specifically skilled workers; this is why the numbers of people interested in emigrating and working in South Africa annually increases.

The country has seen a significant increase in the numbers of international individuals relocating to live in South Africa since 2003, and today the number of applications received for work visas and resident’s permits is at an all time high. 

Those who are serious about relocating to South Africa and finding employment have to be aware of various restrictions that apply: -

Because unemployment in the country is running at around 25% jobs vacancies are only opened up to overseas workers when a local person cannot be found to fill the vacancy.  This is why the majority of vacancies available to expatriates are in specialised fields such as the medical, IT or engineering industries.

The employment sector in South Africa employs certain ‘positive discrimination’ tactics to improve the chances of non-whites gaining employment as it is in this sector of society that unemployment is at its highest. 

These two factors mean that while it is easy for an expatriate to buy a home in South Africa it can be difficult to find work in South Africa – but for those with in-demand skills it is certainly not impossible.

To gain a work visa an individual has to have a firm offer of employment, to look for work in South Africa or to attend a job interview an international candidate will require a work-seeker’s permit to enter the country.  All visas must be applied for before travelling to the country and the local South African embassy in the candidate’s current country of residence will be able to assist, alternatively they may find useful information on the South African Department of Home Affairs website

In terms of any language requirements a candidate should be aware of, the main business language in South Africa is English although Afrikaans is also widely spoken in the work place.  Experience, skills and qualifications may need to be demonstrated or proven before a firm job offer is granted which often means those who apply for a job in South Africa have to travel to the country for interviews.

In terms of looking for job openings in South Africa the internet is of course a great place to start, it’s also a good place to find international and local South African recruitment agencies.  Someone interested in working in South Africa should prepare their CV, resume and letter of introduction accordingly and contact a recruitment agency explaining that they want to work in South Africa and that they have the following skills and experience and are interested in working in whichever given field of expertise that they specialise in.  The more information that can be supplied up front the greater and quicker the individual’s chances of finding a job in South Africa.

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