This allows eligible foreign nationals to live and work in the country for up to five years, on the condition that their job role matches a profession and description on the official Critical Skills List. Employees who qualify for this visa may later apply for permanent residency, making this an appealing retention pathway.

What makes this visa so appealing among foreign nationals who are looking to relocate to South Africa is that it provides one of the most secure and attractive entryways into the country. However, it is important to understand that this visa is highly criteria-driven, requiring applicants to show verifiable qualifications, work experience, and, where applicable, professional registration.

Here follows an updated 2026 guide on requirements and common issues applicants face regarding Critical Skills Visas:

View the official Critical Skills List here.

Critical Skills Visa Requirements

The Critical Skills Visa is designed to attract skilled and experienced foreign professionals with evidence-backed expertise into a job role that is considered ‘critical’ in South Africa. To successfully secure this visa, your application must meet several non-negotiable requirements:

• Your job description must exactly match the Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO) description.
• The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) must validate all foreign qualifications.
• You must be registered with the relevant South African professional council (if applicable).
• A formal job offer from a South African employer for a fixed period not exceeding five years.
• Transcripts, degree certificates, and proof of qualifications.
• A thorough CV and proof of experience.
• Police clearance certificates from where you have resided for the last five years.
• Medical report.

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

It is not uncommon for Critical Skills Visa applications to be rejected due to incomplete or inaccurate information, missing documentation, or failure to adhere to set deadlines or timeframes. Listed below are some of the top reasons applications are rejected:

• Submitting your application under the incorrect OFO code or application category.
• Either failing to register or registering with the incorrect professional body.
• Foreign qualification evaluations that are incomplete or improperly certified (SAQA).
• Inadequate or missing proof of post-qualification experience.
• Irrelevant or unverified job offers that are not from a registered employer.
• Failure to submit a renewal 60 days before the expiry date.
• Handing in expired documentation (e.g. police clearance or contract of employment).

How Can GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN Help You?

Due to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) still addressing administrative backlogs and strict adjudication, it is widely recommended to seek professional assistance to effectively navigate the visa application process. At GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN, we aim to guide each and every candidate through their immigration journey, ensuring that all necessary documentation and requirements are present and correct.

CONTACT our experienced team today and allow us to make your move to South Africa a reality.

The post Critical Skills Visa SA: 2026 Updated Guide first appeared on GHM.

The Role of Tourism in Job Creation

With tourism now accounting for over 11% of all employment in South Africa, it confirms its status as a vital pillar of the national economy. Tourism jobs are roles typically in the travel and hospitality industry that provide services to visitors to the country, including everything from planning travel to providing lodging. The sector’s resilience and recovery from the pandemic have been key drivers behind this unprecedented job growth, contributing to the broader economic recovery and long-term development goals of the country.

Future Growth Projections for the Tourism Sector

Additional projections indicate that by the year 2035, the travel sector could support up to three million jobs if this current growth trend continues. Despite these positive trends, challenges still remain with issues related to GDP growth and international visitor spending, though this performance in job creation is a promising sign for SA’s future.

Immigrants seeking job opportunities in the tourism sector, especially in roles like hospitality, travel services, and tour operations, are welcome to pursue this in South Africa, which will ultimately lead to increased labour migration. The tourism industry often relies on a diverse workforce, which often includes foreign workers, to fill specialised or seasonal positions. Considering working in South Africa? Here is insight into the point-based work visa and what you need to know. Our team of immigration consultants can assist you in applying for your business visa successfully.

This creates a great opportunity for individuals who have been thinking about coming to South Africa but have been halted due to uncertainty regarding job opportunities.

A Rebound After the Pandemic

The pandemic dealt an extremely hard blow to our country’s economy, and tourism was a thing of the past as no one could travel, neither within the country nor from outside to inside. Over the years, we have slowly but surely started to recover, but this remarkable growth in opportunities is something to note, and we encourage you, as a South African or even a foreigner, to grab this opportunity with both hands.

If you want to know more about opportunities for you in South Africa and how you can come over for work in the tourism industry, CONTACT US. The Digital Nomad Visa is South Africa’s new opportunity for individuals seeking flexibility and new experiences. Our team of attorneys at GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN, and we will support you step by step from your application to obtaining your visa.

The post Tourism Jobs in South Africa Reach Historic Highs first appeared on GHM.

It is important to understand these nuances as the rules may dictate not only who can work but also the duration of employment and the types of jobs foreigners can fill. Work permits are designed to ensure that the local labour markets are protected while still allowing for the necessary expertise and skill from abroad to complement talent.

In South Africa, work permits or temporary visas for work are issued to individuals by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). However, applications for temporary residence visas are processed and finalised at foreign offices of the DHA, and travel arrangements should only be made once the visa has been approved.

Some types of visas include:

• General Work Visas are typically issued to foreigners where it has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that South African citizens and permanent residents with the relevant skills or qualifications and experience are not available for appointment.
• The Minister of Home Affairs publishes a critical skills list in the Government Gazette. To be able to apply for a Critical Skills Work Visa, you are required to provide proof of your qualifications.
• In other circumstances, multi-national companies may decide to transfer one of their existing employees in a key position from a foreign branch to a branch, an affiliate, or a subsidiary of that company in South Africa. This individual will need to apply for an Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa.

The process of securing a work permit often involves a detailed application process that requires comprehensive documentation. There are specific quotas or conditions that can affect the approval of work permit applications. Therefore, organisations and foreign nationals looking for work in South Africa need to be proactive in understanding not just the paperwork that is required, but also the socio-economic context that might influence permit issuance. Furthermore, the significance of staying current with changing regulations cannot be overstated. South Africa and neighbouring countries are experiencing rapid shifts in policies due to economic needs, political changes, and international agreements.

Individuals and organisations that invest time in understanding the framework of work permits will be better equipped to navigate the complexities and avoid costly delays. In essence, work permits are more than just legal documents; they serve as gateways to operational success and compliance.

If you wish to successfully obtain a work permit in South Africa, it requires more than just completing paperwork; it demands an understanding of the country’s legal framework, shifting socio-economic factors, and labour market priorities. By staying informed and proactive, you can position yourself for a smoother application process, ensure compliance, and avoid unnecessary delays. CONTACT US and talk to our team at GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN for more information on work visas, temporary visas, visa renewals, and more.

The post Work Permits in South Africa: Essential Guide first appeared on GHM.

What is the Points-Based Work Visa?

The Points-Based Work Visa is a permit that allows foreign individuals to get employment in South Africa based on the total points they accumulate. Therefore, applicants have to earn required points (100) to qualify for the general work visa. But these points depend on several standards such as work experience, educational qualifications, language fluency, and income level. This system offers an organised and transparent approach that helps to evaluate skilled individuals’ applications, rather than focusing on subjective assessments.

Eligibility Requirements and Points System

Candidates must meet the criteria and accumulate at least 100 points to qualify for a General Work Visa.

• Educational Qualifications: Applicants score points based on their strong academic background, such as the National Qualification Framework levels. For example, individuals who possess a master’s degree (NQF 9) or a Doctorate (NQF 10) can earn up to 50 points, while a bachelor’s degree (NQF 7) or an honours degree (NQF 8) obtain 30 points.
• Work Experience: Applicants get points depending on their solid work experience in a relevant field. For example, five to ten years of experience is 20 points and 30 points for candidates with ten years. Additionally, if you are employed by an employer recognised under the South African Trusted Employer Scheme, you will receive another 30 points.
• Language Skills: Applicants must be proficient in one of South Africa’s Official languages or English to be given ten points.
• Salary Level: The candidate’s income influences the scoring process and shows their economic contribution and benefit. For example, individuals who are earning a gross annual salary above R976,194 gross per annum will obtain 50 points, and those with salaries between R650,976 and R976,194 receive 20 points.

Advantages of SA’s New Points-Based Work Visa

1. Efficient and transparent visa application process for the candidates.
2. The system facilitates skilled professionals for migration.
3. Quick application process and streamlined paperwork.

How Can GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN (GHM) Assist?

GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN is an experienced team in South African Immigration. When it comes to applying for a Points-Based Work Visa, we can provide you with guidance on eligibility criteria and points calculation to check if you meet the 100-point threshold. Contact us for more information and advice on the Points-Based Work Visa.

The post Guide to South Africa’s New Points-Based Work Visa first appeared on GHM.

The system was implemented with the aim of streamlining the processing of work visa applications and providing a more objective and transparent way to assess applicant eligibility.

For educational qualifications, individuals who hold a National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 9, which refers to a master’s degree, or level 10, which is a doctoral degree, can earn 50 points. Whereas someone with a NQF of level 7, which refers to a bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma, or level 8, which includes individuals with a postgraduate diploma, bachelor of honours, or equivalent, are awarded 30 points. An individual’s salary also plays a significant role in the scoring process. Candidates who are earning a gross annual salary above R976,194 gross per annum will receive 50 points, while others with a salary falling between R650,976 and R976,194 gross per annum will earn 20 points.

However, experience is another criterion, with candidates accruing 20 points for five to ten years of work experience and 30 points for over ten years of work experience in a field. Moreover, candidates who apply and have been offered employment by an employer recognised under the Trusted Employer Scheme get another 30 points added to a candidate’s score. For speaking at least one of South Africa’s official languages, another 10 points are earned.

In order to qualify for either a Critical Skills Work Visa or a General Work Visa, applicants must accumulate at least 100 points. Obtaining a Work Visa with GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN Attorneys results in a streamlined process.

How GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN Can Assist You in Applying for a Points-Based Work Visa

We can assist by conducting a thorough assessment of your academic qualifications, work experience, salary, and language proficiency. This evaluation helps you calculate your total points to determine if you meet the 100-point threshold necessary for obtaining either a Critical Skills or General Work Visa.

One of the top services provided by GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN is the fact that we assist our clients in gathering and verifying all required documents. At GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN, we keep our clients informed about updates in the immigration policy to ensure your application aligns with the latest legislation and scoring framework.

If you or someone you know requires assistance with obtaining a Points-Based Work Visa, get in touch with our team today to simplify the visa process, reduce the likelihood of delays or rejections, and ultimately increase your chances of obtaining the appropriate visa through tailored legal support. CONTACT US today for professional assistance.

The post Points-Based Work Visa: What You Need to Know first appeared on GHM.

If you find yourself in a situation where your company decides to transfer you to a different branch based in South Africa, you can apply for an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Visa. This type of work visa allows a staff member to transfer from an international company to a branch or an affiliate of that company in South Africa.

The ICT visa is designed for foreign employees of multinational corporations, enabling them to live and work in South Africa for a specified duration. There are different ways to immigrate to South Africa, which makes choosing the right visa option important. This visa option is particularly advantageous for multinational organisations, as it offers a straightforward temporary immigration pathway for their staff to relocate to the country.

What are the benefits of an ICT Work Visa?

• • The intra-company transfer work visa has a four-year validity period and is not renewable.
  • The visa allows foreign employees of organisations to work in South Africa at the locally based entity.
  • Qualifications verification by SAQA or professional body registration is not required.
  • Visa holders can exit and re-enter the country freely during the validity of their visa.
  • There is no need for skill verification or assessments by the Department of Employment and Labour.

How to qualify for an ICT Work Visa?

Applicants for this type of visa should be able to demonstrate that they have worked for this foreign entity for at least six months and provide proof of employment in the form of an employment contract. A skills transfer plan outlining how the organisation intends to transfer similar skills from the foreign employee to a South African citizen or permanent resident must be included in the application for the Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa.

Other requirements related to this visa include a valid passport, proof of employment with the foreign company, as well as letters from both the South African and foreign entity confirming the employee transfer.

However, employees should take note that the intra-company transfer option is only valid if the employee is required in South Africa for a maximum of four years. In the case where the employee is required for more than this maximum amount of time, it would be advisable to consult with our immigration attorneys.

As this visa is not renewable or extendable within South Africa, if you are an employee in the country on an ICT visa and wish to stay in SA for longer, you are welcome to contact our dedicated team of immigration experts at GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN, where we will guide you and provide you with the necessary legal advice and a selection of alternative visa options.

The post Applying for the SA Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa first appeared on GHM.

GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN provides tailored immigration solutions to overcome the roadblocks – if any – you might face. Our team provides a high level of personable, professional service. With GHM, you’ll always feel that you’re with a firm you can trust, one that’s on your side and fighting at the frontlines of your immigration battle alongside you. We are just as passionate about your cause as you are.

About GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN

GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN is the managing partner of GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN (GHM). An American national, she graduated from the University of Cape Town with a postgraduate LLB degree in 2012. After working with a boutique law firm and in legal publishing, she was admitted as a practising attorney in the Republic of South Africa.

Over the last decade, she has exclusively worked in immigration law and helped thousands achieve their immigration goals, whether visa extensions, applications for South African citizenship, or resumption of citizenship.

She has personal and professional experience with the workings of South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs and so is well-acquainted with the processes of helping foreigners apply for visas and South Africans with civic services, including ID books, passports, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage interviews, marriages, and the registration of foreign births.

About Our Team

The GHM team is familiar with the rules and regulations surrounding South African immigration law, which are constantly changing. Since we only focus on immigration law, we trump our competitors in expertise and deep knowledge of the Home Affairs system.

We can help you expedite your application when it gets stuck in the system, ensuring your immigration is as stress and hassle-free as possible.

How We Help

We assist with immigration to South Africa, temporary residency, permanent residency, proof of permanent residency, applications for citizenship, retirement visa applications, litigation against Home Affairs, visa rejection appeals, overturning declarations of undesirability, civic services (such as attaining marriage certificates, identity documents, etc.), visa waivers, and immigration to the United States of America.

Let us assist you with all your immigration needs, making your immigration and stay in South Africa effortless. With GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN, you won’t have to undergo the arduous process of visa extensions, appealing visa rejections, or waiting years for outcomes. We get the job done properly, quickly, and without a fuss.

Choose the Best Immigration Lawyers: Choose GHM

Over the years, GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN and her team have assisted thousands of immigration applicants with getting their visas approved, navigating the workings of Home Affairs, and expediting their applications.

Together, let’s make your immigration effortless. Contact GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN today.

The post Why We’re the Best Immigration Lawyers first appeared on GHM.

This new points-based system is meant to lower the processing periods of work visas by reducing the documentary requirements compared to the old immigration procedure.

You must have at least 100 points from a list of criteria that includes your qualifications, salary, work experience, employer status, and language proficiency to qualify for this visa.

Point Distribution Methodology

Under the new points-based method for assessing work visa applications, the General Work Visa requirements and point distribution have been made public.

Qualifications

National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 9 (master’s degree) and 10 (doctoral degree) are allocated 50 points. NQF levels 7 (bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma) and 8 (bachelor’s degree, postgraduate diploma or bachelor honours degree) obtain 30 points.

Salary and Work Experience

Those who earn above R 976,194 gross per year get 50 points, while those who earn between R 650,796 and R 976,196 per year attain 20.

Regarding work experience: if you have more than 10 years of experience, you’re awarded 30 points. If you have five to 10 years of experience, you’re given 20 points. Should you have an offer from a trusted employer scheme company, you obtain 30 (previously 20) points, per the change on the 23rd of October 2024.

Language Proficiency

Finally, those proficient in at least one official South African language earn 10 points.

Dependencies

You need a fixed contract of employment to qualify for a general work visa. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) must also assess your credentials to make sure they meet the requirements.

This work visa is directly linked to your employer, which means you will need to act quickly if you find yourself in a situation where you lose your job to avoid losing your valid status in South Africa. The visa can also be renewed, but you will still need to fulfil all requirements.

In conclusion, highly qualified people who wish to work in South Africa may find a general work visa a viable choice. Although candidates must fulfil the prerequisites – which include qualifications, a job offer, and point-based criteria – the procedure is straightforward. If you prepare properly, you can also utilise this visa as a first step toward permanent residency.

Our partners and specialists will ensure you have all relevant documents in place and that your application is approved. We’ll also conduct follow-ups on your behalf during the application, ensuring your application is reviewed and approved as soon as possible.

For more information, contact GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN. We’re glad to be of service!

The post What Are the Requirements for a General Work Visa? first appeared on GHM.

Our director, GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN, has worked exclusively in immigration law for over a decade. She’s helped thousands of people move to beautiful South Africa to retire, study, join their spouses, or visit. She’s renowned for her commitment to excellence, warmth, due diligence, and critical thinking abilities.

She has a vast knowledge of Home Affairs’ workings and is extensively qualified to help you with visa applications, ID books, passports, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage interviews, marriages and the registration of foreign births.

Immigration doesn’t have to be a hassle. Let GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN and her industry-leading immigration attorneys make legalities accessible and pain-free.

South Africa: the Perfect Place for a New Start

South Africa is the perfect place to immigrate to. Our country is a rainbow of cultures, ethnicities, nationalities, and languages, making the country easy to integrate into and feel at home in. Its people are warm-hearted, friendly, and kind. South Africa’s scenery is as beautiful as its heart, whether that’s the picturesque view of Table Mountain over the bay, the Eastern Cape’s technicolour landscape, or the hustle and bustle of South Africa’s New York, Johannesburg.

South Africa is a popular choice among expats globally for its currency: the Euro and Dollar are far stronger than the Rand, making your money stretch further in our assortment of world-class restaurants and attractions.

Step into Your Future

Take the first steps into a beautiful future. Enlist GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN and her team to help you with your immigration queries, visa applications, appeals, and more today. Contact us – we would be delighted to lend a hand.

The post Happy Festive Season first appeared on GHM.

It’s crucial that you renew your visa before VFS closes for the festive season, or you may be declared undesirable upon departure or being banned from re-entering South Africa. Depending on the severity of your overstay, you could face a one to five-year ban, or even a prohibition from reentering.

GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN will close for the festive season, too.

GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN 2024 Closure Dates

To best serve you in the new year, our hard-working immigration team must take time off to rest. June’s attorneys work tirelessly throughout the year to fight for immigration justice, defend you from Home Affairs’s missteps, and ensure you stay in South Africa stress-free.

We will close for the festive season on the 19th of December until the 6th of January. Our attorneys will be back in office from the 7th of January.

Department of Home Affairs 2024 Closure Dates

Since the Department of Home Affairs is a government initiative, it will only close on public holidays:

• Christmas Day: the 25th of December
• The Day of Goodwill: the 26th of December
• New Year’s Day: the 1st of January 2025

Before VFS Global closes, remember to apply for a visa extension or renewal. The Immigration Act sets out that if you overstay your visa by more than a month, you will be banned from reentering South Africa for five years. If you overstay by less than 30 days, you could be banned from re-entering for a year.

If you have any immigration queries, contact GREENBERG HATHWAY MACMILLAN. We wish you a stress-free festive season!

The post VFS Closures for Visa Applications first appeared on GHM.