Game-changer for South African visas

South Africa’s recent immigration reforms are set to benefit businesses and professionals by simplifying the process of attracting international talent and fostering the country’s economic growth.

This is according to Xpatweb MD Marisa Jacobs, who said South Africa’s new remote work visa and points-based system are game-changers for attracting global talent to the country.

On 9 October this year, South Africa introduced the third amendment to its Immigration Regulations, modernising the system to attract global professionals. 

A key highlight of this amendment is the new remote work visa, which allows digital nomads to live in South Africa while remaining in the employ of foreign companies. 

Jacobs said this visa makes South Africa the fourth country in Africa to welcome digital workers, following Mauritius, Namibia, and Cape Verde.

“This visa allows remote workers to contribute to the local economy without taking local jobs,” she explained.

“Their spending on goods and services benefits sectors like tourism, hospitality, and real estate, particularly in cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg.” 

“By capitalising on South Africa’s attractive lifestyle and affordable living costs, the visa positions the country as a desirable destination for remote workers, who can inject foreign capital into the economy.”

Portugal and Croatia successfully implemented remote work programs in October 2022 and January 2021, respectively, and have seen that long-term visitors often spend more than short-term tourists, driving growth in local businesses

In addition to the remote work visa, the new amendment introduces a points-based system for general work visas, evaluating applicants based on qualifications, work experience, salary, and language proficiency. 

“Unlike the critical skills work visa category, which specifically addresses skills shortages, the points-based system applies more broadly, aiming to attract a wide range of talent who can contribute to South Africa’s businesses,” Jacobs explained.

Notably, she said the points-based system promotes transparency and fairness in visa adjudication, reducing opportunities for corruption. 

“By offering a structured and objective evaluation, the system ensures that applications are assessed based on clear and measurable criteria,” she said. 

“This shift is particularly significant for the Department of Home Affairs, which has faced challenges related to inefficiency and irregularities.” 

“Through this new framework, the government aims to restore trust in its immigration processes while aligning with global best practices.”

The introduction of this points-based system marks a significant shift in how South Africa manages its immigration policy, aligning it with other countries that prioritise economic needs and skill shortages. 

The system is designed to attract the right talent to support South Africa’s growth by outlining specific criteria, such as qualifications, work experience, and remuneration.

Following the release of the amended Immigration Regulations on 9 October, the Home Affairs Department also issued Directive No. 10 of 2024, which provided much-needed clarity on the practical implementation of this new points-based system.

The directive reaffirmed that applications filed after the introduction of the new regulations must adhere to the points-based system, ensuring that future applicants are assessed based on their ability to contribute to the country’s development. 

Jacobs said this structure gives businesses a clear understanding of how they can recruit foreign talent and allows individuals to assess their eligibility more transparently.

“As South Africa positions itself as a competitive destination for skilled talent, the new points-based system, underpinned by the clarity of this directive, sets the foundation for a more streamlined and effective immigration process,” she said.

Together, the remote work visa and the points-based system will simplify the process for companies to attract international talent and streamline compliance even further. These reforms, she said, aim to foster transparency and economic collaboration.

“These immigration reforms position South Africa as a destination for global talent, benefiting businesses by providing access to a wider talent pool and aligning with international best practices,” she said. 

“The new system promotes transparency and opens new pathways for professionals and companies to thrive in South Africa.”