List of Occupations Qualifying for Critical Skills Visa Published

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has published the skills list used to determine which occupations qualify for the Critical Skills Visa and Permanent Residence Permit. There are no limits to the number of applications that will be accepted for each occupation. Now that the list has been published, foreign nationals can apply for the Critical Skills Visa. 

The critical skills list is comprised of over one hundred occupational categories spread out across twelve industry sectors, together with the requirements to qualify in each occupation or under each critical skill. 

What This Means for Employers 

Employers should work with their Fragomen representative to review the new skills list alongside their foreign workforce to determine who might qualify for the Critical Skills Visa. In particular, employers should identify foreign nationals with upcoming visa expiration dates who will be unable to extend their stay under reforms that recently took effect. 

The new skills list is a positive development for companies operating in South Africa and serves as evidence of the Department of Home Affairs’ commitment to address skills shortages in the country.

How Can Fragomen Assist 

Fragomen can assist clients with preparing and filing of Critical Skills Visa applications. 

Fragomen continues to seek clarification from the DHA regarding the recently implemented reforms and will distribute additional updates and guidance in the near future. Fragomen professionals are available to discuss the new laws and available strategies. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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