Work Permit - South Africa

South Africa

There are four categories of South African work permits available to a foreigner each with its own set of specific requirements all assisting in immigration to South Africa or working in South Africa. As leading immigration attorneys in South Africa we can provide assistance in obtaining the following South African Work Permits: Quota Permit, General Work Permit, Exceptional Skills Work Permit, Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit.

Quota Permit - A quota permit is issued to a foreigner who falls within a specific professional category or occupational class determined by the Minister of Home Affairs at least annually by notice in the Government Gazette after consultation with the Ministers of Labour and Trade and Industry in South Africa.

General Work Permit - The basis of a general work permit is that a firm offer of employment has been made by a prospective employer to a foreigner after such employer has unsuccessfully exploited the local labour market in attempting to procure the needed skills, experiences or qualifications equivalent of such foreigner.

Exceptional Skills Work Permit - An exceptional skills work permit may be issued to a foreigner who possesses exceptional skills or qualifications and is able to demonstrate with supporting documentation in the form of testimonials, publications, a letter of motivation to substantiate the benefits that those skills will bring to South Africa. This exceptional skills work permit is granted for three years and may be renewed for a further period, if required.

Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit - An intra company transfer work permit is issued to a foreigner who is normally deployed or seconded to South African branch, subsidiary or associate office of a corporate entity aboard. There are strict controls to ensure that the foreigner remains employed in his or her specific position during the tour of duty and the intra company transfer work permit is valid for 2 years only.