Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

LOCAL NEWS

South Africa Issues 4,913 Critical Skills Visas, with 55% Going to Zimbabweans and Indians

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.

Also read: China Imposes Six-Month Ban and $56.4 Million Fine on PwC Over Evergrande Audit Failures

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.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

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:

  1. Zimbabwe – 1,794
  2. India – 918
  3. Democratic Republic of Congo – 295
  4. Nigeria – 286
  5. Cameroon – 90
  6. Germany – 85
  7. China – 84
  8. United Kingdom – 82
  9. Kenya – 75
  10. USA – 75
  11. Lesotho – 63
  12. France – 62
  13. Pakistan – 58
  14. Zambia – 50
  15. Swaziland – 48
  16. Angola – 45
  17. Uganda – 41
  18. Netherlands – 39
  19. Ghana – 36
  20. 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

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

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.

 

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606 or Email Us at [email protected]

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Catch More Updates Below

BUSINESS NEWS

South Africa is facing a critical shortage of power lines needed to transmit electricity from new energy projects, highlighting the need for an updated...

WORLD NEWS

A 56-year-old immigration officer from Beitbridge Port of Entry in Musina, Limpopo, has been arrested for allegedly accepting bribes from foreign nationals attempting to...

LOCAL NEWS

Foreign truck drivers working for South African freight companies are required to have valid work permits. Without these permits, insurance companies are not obligated...

WORLD NEWS

In a recent crackdown on undocumented immigrants, South African authorities have apprehended several foreign nationals working without proper documentation. The operation, conducted in various...

LOCAL NEWS

An investigation by NewsHawks has uncovered a series of upmarket residential properties owned by George Guvamatanga, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance...

Zimbabwe Politics

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has reignited a contentious debate by claiming that the xenophobic attacks on Zimbabweans living in South Africa in...

LOCAL NEWS

At Beitbridge Border Post, the average weekly return of Zimbabwean corpses from South Africa has increased dramatically—by 100. Due to this rush, the Port...

WORLD NEWS

The first results have been announced from what is seen as South Africa’s most closely fought elections since the African National Congress (ANC) came...

Advertisement