Foreign Nationals may now establish whether their profession is in demand, scarce and/or critical in South Africa and may be eligible to commence a career path in the country provided that their intended occupation is in line with what is deemed as a critical skill.
So, what’s changed, and what does it mean for my pending application?
Foreign nationals now have access to previously unattainable opportunities thanks to the new Critical Skills List. If you currently hold a Critical Skills Work Visa and your skill is no longer listed, you may be unable to renew your visa. Despite the removal of certain important categories from the List, the following noticeable occupations have been added to South Africa’s Critical Skills List:
With the release of the new Critical Skills List, applicants who intend to apply for permanent residence in categories that are no longer on the list, may no longer be eligible. These visa holders must now reconsider an alternate visa category as well as their aspirations for permanent residence.
Ultimately, it is crucial for all South Africans to understand what skills our nation needs for our economic development and how we as South Africans can contribute productively, since our Critical Skills List is not just intended for Foreign Nationals but can also serve as a guide for Matriculants in their professional pathways to also plug the gap in line with skills shortage in the country.
It is also worth noting that the new categories and qualifying components may make the application procedure more onerous. Throughout your immigration journey, our immigration specialists can help you navigate these challenges and guide you through out the process.
10 Things You Need To Know About The New Critical Skills List