South Africa: New Occupations and Requirements Added to Critical Skills List
October 5, 2023

The Department of Home Affairs has added two healthcare occupations to the Critical Skills list, veterinarians and veterinary nurses, under the Specialist Medical Practitioners category, effective October 3, 2023. The list now comprises 142 skilled occupations in total. Additionally, the list has been expanded to include engineering candidates or equivalent occupations who are registered with a relevant professional body, council or board recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority Professional Body, on the condition that they will be working under the supervision of a locally qualified professional related to the CSWV for which they have applied. Previously, these engineering candidates were not eligible for a CSWV. The addition of new occupations and requirements are ongoing initiatives by the South African government to recruit and retain foreign national professionals with skills deemed essential to the economy.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.

Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.

Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.

Media mentions
San Diego Managing Partner Karine Wenger discussed the upcoming Olympic immigration landscape and potential challenges for international participants.

Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce notes that limited social media activity or private accounts could lead to greater scrutiny for international students applying for US visas.

Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the opening of a new office in Cork, expanding its presence in Ireland to better support clients across the country's southern and western regions.

Awards
Fragomen is ranked both nationally and locally in "Best Law Firms in Australia" by The Best Lawyers.

Awards
Global Mobility Lawyer recognises Senior Immigration Manager Wout van Doren and Manager Tanya Loughran as Tomorrow's Leaders.

Media mentions
Partner Shayan Sultan discusses how Disneyland Abu Dhabi could impact hiring, Emiratisation and immigration planning in the UAE.

Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Wills and Director Kelly Hardman co-hosted the Space Law Legal Symposium with DLA Piper, highlighting immigration’s role in space sector growth.

Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce highlighted the challenges US universities face under new visa restrictions.

Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.

Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.

Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.

Media mentions
San Diego Managing Partner Karine Wenger discussed the upcoming Olympic immigration landscape and potential challenges for international participants.

Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce notes that limited social media activity or private accounts could lead to greater scrutiny for international students applying for US visas.

Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the opening of a new office in Cork, expanding its presence in Ireland to better support clients across the country's southern and western regions.

Awards
Fragomen is ranked both nationally and locally in "Best Law Firms in Australia" by The Best Lawyers.

Awards
Global Mobility Lawyer recognises Senior Immigration Manager Wout van Doren and Manager Tanya Loughran as Tomorrow's Leaders.

Media mentions
Partner Shayan Sultan discusses how Disneyland Abu Dhabi could impact hiring, Emiratisation and immigration planning in the UAE.

Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Wills and Director Kelly Hardman co-hosted the Space Law Legal Symposium with DLA Piper, highlighting immigration’s role in space sector growth.

Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce highlighted the challenges US universities face under new visa restrictions.