Since 2020, South Africa has granted 4,913 critical skills visas to nationals from over 100 countries. Notably, over half (55%) of these permits were issued to citizens of Zimbabwe and India.
This data was revealed by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber during a recent parliamentary session. Schreiber highlighted that the government took extensive measures to ensure that no qualified South African citizens or permanent residents could fill these positions before allocating visas to foreign workers.
The Department of Home Affairs worked closely with the Department of Higher Education and Training to determine the country’s critical skill needs. The methodology used to assess these skills is outlined in a Technical Report on Critical Skills, available on the Department of Higher Education and Training’s website.
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Out of the 4,913 visas issued since January 2020, 1,794 were granted to Zimbabwean nationals, covering various occupations. The largest category for Zimbabwean workers was trainee auditors, followed by roles in integrated development, software development, nursing, and ICT systems analysis.
India ranks second, with 918 visas issued, primarily in fields like IT and technology. Other countries on the list include the Democratic Republic of Congo (295 visas), Nigeria (286), and Cameroon (90).
Top 20 Countries Receiving Critical Skills Visas:
- Zimbabwe – 1,794
- India – 918
- Democratic Republic of Congo – 295
- Nigeria – 286
- Cameroon – 90
- Germany – 85
- China – 84
- United Kingdom – 82
- Kenya – 75
- USA – 75
- Lesotho – 63
- France – 62
- Pakistan – 58
- Zambia – 50
- Swaziland – 48
- Angola – 45
- Uganda – 41
- Netherlands – 39
- Ghana – 36
- Botswana – 35
Changes in South Africa’s Critical Skills List
South Africa’s critical skills list underwent significant changes in February 2022, marking the first update since 2014. The update drew controversy, particularly in the medical sector, as many healthcare jobs were removed. To address concerns, the list was revised again in August 2022, with 39 medical professions added. The latest update came in October 2023, which saw veterinarians included, though general practitioners and doctors remain absent from the list.
The Department of Home Affairs acknowledges that there has been criticism over certain professions being excluded and emphasized that the critical skills list should be updated every four years to adapt to evolving needs.
Addressing Skill Shortages
The government is implementing initiatives like the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) to help businesses hire international talent more efficiently. South Africa is also moving toward a remote working visa, which is expected to attract additional skilled workers.
These efforts are seen as a short- to medium-term solution to the country’s ongoing skills shortage, particularly in fields like STEM and IT. However, South Africa faces fierce competition for talent from countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, and the UK, which are all actively seeking skilled professionals.
Within South Africa, businesses are struggling to find qualified workers, with local talent either leaving the country or working remotely for international companies.
The country’s challenge to retain and attract skilled professionals is becoming more urgent as global demand for these workers intensifies.
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