Work Permit Quotas Leading up to 2010 and Beyond
Due to the massive work-load needed to host an event the magnitude of 2010's Soccer World Cup - and the economic growth expected from such an event and its legacy, the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has just published a new (work) permit quota list.
Although South Africa's education system is first class, we still have skill shortages in certain sectors, namely - CAD technicians, Draftspersons, Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers, Civil engineering technicians and technologists.
In his article below Stuart James explains the effect of this on our economy - in the build up to and far beyond 2010. Browse the links provided for more information on the 2010 Soccer World Cup and other business related articles from CBN.
New work permit quota’s issued for South Africa
by Stuart James
The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa that issues business permits, work permits, life partner and spousal permits, retired permits and relatives permits has just published a new permit quota list.
This is designed in consideration of the skills requirements that may be filled by immigrants hoping to move to South Africa.
Business permit quota list
South Africa is well versed in the requirement to ensure that business and merchants have a route to the right skills, more than ever with the gigantic expenditure occurring in South Africa for the 2010 world cup.
Whilst South Africa's education system is first class and reliable labor force, it is known that in some professions a talent shortage exists. To aid the immigration process in the business permit sector Home Affairs regularly considers what professions are in short supply and produces a quota work permit list. This quota list allows immigrants to apply for a work permit which means the potential immigrant can request a work permit before getting an offer of employment, in essence easing the entire application process.
What business are being sought?
After comprehensive dialogue with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and feedback from the major South African companies, Home Affairs published the current directory of rare occupations this year. Prospective immigrants seeking jobs in these areas can apply for permits allowing them to work and reside in South Africa.
Reflecting the reality of economic growth in South Africa Home Affairs concentrates on technical and engineering skills. So much so that any Industrial engineer will qualify, but it is well worth a look at the occupations in demand in detail.
Due to private and public investments in infrastructure projects foreigners with relevant skills in the construction industry are most sought after. Amongst the quota occupations are CAD technicians, Draftsperson, Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers, Civil engineering technicians and technologists. Also in the manufacturing professions Home Affairs is looking for quotas for jobs such as Manufacturing Technicians, Mechanical Draughtsperson and Technicians, Hydraulics and Pneumatics Technicians, Mechanical Engineers, Quality Engineers and Inspectors, Pipeline Engineers and Refrigeration Engineers. In the aeronautic industry immigrants with backgrounds such as Aeronautical Engineers, Avionics Engineers and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are encouraged to consider the quota work permit. In the electronics sector, South Africa needs staff that are qualified as Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Electromechanical Technicians, Electronics Technicians, Autotronics and Mechatronics Technicians, Electricians. Recently the Department, also included certain artisans that can apply for immigration including precision metal workers and boilermakers, coded welders, toolmakers, fitters and turners and millwrights.
In other fields Home Affairs has recognised the importance of BPO for economic stability and has included Contact Centre Managers and Call Centre in the quota system too. In the organisation and information professionals notably jobs for actuaries, risk assessors, statisticians, and economists are accessible for quota professions.
The mining sector is of equal importance to the South African economy. This is demonstrated by Home Affairs as it offers immigrants in Mining Engineering, Geologists, Geophysicists and Earth Science Technicians the option to have work and residence permits.
Other industrial areas covered are agriculture and forestry, the chemical industry, pharmacology, biotechnology, astronomy and food technology. Finally South Africa seems to be experiencing a lack of talent among Maths and Science Teachers and Jewellery Makers.
It is important to note that Home Affairs will investigate if the proposed immigrant has the desired skills as well as five years of relevant work experience before offering a quota work permit for South Africa.
Date Created: 2009-08-18 | Last Update : 2009-08-18 |
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