Proposed List of Critical Skills Released for Consultation

At a Glance

South African authorities have proposed adding professions to the list of critical skills.
Once the list is published, foreign nationals with such skills can apply for a Critical Skills Visa, a work permit valid for up to five years.
The public is now invited to participate in the consultation process, which will end on March 31, 2021.

The situation

The South African authorities have released a proposed list of critical skills – holders of which can apply for a Critical Skills Visa – for a public consultation process that is open until March 31, 2021.

A closer look

Key aspects of the proposed list features new occupations found to be critical to the economy, including, among others, the following:

Chief Information Officers;
Data Management Managers;
Web Designers;
Software Developers; and
Marine Geographic Information Systems Technicians.

Existing requirements, such a tertiary education degree or diploma and registration with a local body regulating the profession, remain applicable to those applying for a Critical Skills Visa.

Impact

Once the consultation process has been concluded, a consolidated critical skills list will be released to enable businesses to source foreign workers with skills outlined in the list and to allow them to apply for a Critical Skills Visa – a work permit that is valid for five years.

Fragomen can assist with consultation feedback submission.

Background

South Africa utilizes a critical skills list to identify jobs that are critical for the economy. The last time a critical skills list was issued was in 2014.

With the South African economy facing low levels of growth as a result of lack of critical skills, the authorities are making concerted efforts (such as adding new professions to the list) to attract foreign workers to boost its economy.

Looking ahead

It is expected that the South African authorities will publish a final critical skills list once the proposals have been reviewed.

Fragomen will publish details on the list once it has been published.

This alert is for information purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with who you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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