The success criteria and regulations for immigration into South Africa as a visa or work permit holder can prove to be very complicated for potential employers and immigrants. There are 5 dissimilar categories of work permits.

After United Kingdom shifting to a points-based system of immigration that is similar to that of Australia, this type of requirement has become the standard thus making immigration regulations for attaining  a visa or work permit in South Africa very perplexing.

The main categories of work permits and visa are:

Intra company Transfers – this category should be applied for people who are obliged to transfer within their existing or related company and take up a temporary position within South Africa.

Quota Work Permit – as stated by South Africa’s Department of Labor, the country has a shortage of skilled personnel in some professions. Occasionally it is assessed in stipulations of the existing human resource conditions and amended. Individuals with the suitable qualifications and working experience may apply for this a Quota Work Permit. The benefit of a Quota Work Permit is; it can be issued before an individual gets a job offer, hence making job searching much simpler.

Exceptional skills permit- this issued out basing on a ‘case by case’ basis. People with unique qualifications, skills and experience can get this permit.

Individual Corporate workers permit – majority of organizations in south Africa are embarking on recruiting numerous foreigners, either because of shortage of skilled personnel or because of a rare need to perform some roles, for example a requirement foreign language. The company applies for a corporate permit to grant them permission to employ a particular number of persons for specified positions. Companies in possession of these permits can there after apply for Individual Corporate Worker’s permit for their foreign employees.

General work permits – applicants who don’t fall under the above mention categories must then apply for this type of permit. One can not apply for a General Work Permit not until they get a job offer. The employer should present proof to show that they tried to search for a South African to take up that job offer before giving the job to a foreigner.

Corporate Permits – organizations can fore go the immigration process when they apply for cooperate permits. This permit is appropriate for companies that have a number of vacant positions that they predict may have to be filled with foreign workers for the next two to three years.

Because of the global high demand for skilled labor and people’s attitude towards traveling, immigration is structuring a fundamental employee and employer recruitment strategy. Knowing the right permit can be very helpful and will greatly help the employee and employer to attain the required result.

Integrate Immigration are the largest and private immigration experts that offer immigration services in South Africa. Regardless of whether you are in need of a work permit, or a study permit, or a business permit, or a life partner or spousal permit, we are able to provide you with professional consultation and advice regarding all types of permits in South Africa. Our additional services comprise of an entire relocation service, international taxation and looking for.

Currency:
100 cents = 1 Rand
Coins issued 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R, R2 & R5.
Notes include R10, R20, R50, R 100 & R200.
Currency exchange rates are available in the press daily and in all banks.

Banks:
Banks are open from 09h 00 -15h 30 Monday to Friday and 08h 30 – 11h 00 on Saturday.
All Debit cards and major international credits are allowed in banks e.g. Visa American Express Master card, Diners etc. In most towns and petrol stations you can find ATMs.

Health Care and Vaccinations:
Despite the fact that travelling to South Africa is in most cases a first world preference, adventure in remote villages and tribal areas may however bring you health risks.
In South Africa, Cholera usually occurs, but there is no standard immunization for the citizens in South Africa.
In local communities, Hepatitis A & B and TB infections are common and out bursts of rabies within animals. Therefore, travellers visiting these infected areas should be immunized.

Below are the recommended immunizations for those visiting the deeper rural areas of South Africa: -
Typhoid:
This disease is caused by water or food, which is contaminated, leading to high Fever and Septicaemia. Immunisation for Typhoid is meant for people visiting areas with lower standards of food and water hygiene.

Hepatitis A.
A single injection for protection against this water-borne disease is necessary. A vaccine is suitable for the frequent visitors and is now available for protection for almost 10 years.

Polio:
Its orally given especially on a lump of sugar. It protects Poliomyelitis, which is now still prevalent in some tropical countries.

This is a rare disease in travellers so it remains un considered for most travellers, for this is old injected vaccine. However, where its known, a Cholera certificate may be demanded by the officials. So it remains safe to move with this certificate.
For protection against Cholera, there is anew Oral Cholera vaccine.

Tetanus:
This disease has spread throughout the world. A single injection is given to act as a booster dose.
Its not always necessary to go for immunizations, but the best thing you can do is visit a doctor a month before you travel. They will provide you with pills of boosters required during your stay in South Africa.
Before you leave your home, its recommended to move with your Medical Insurance.

Secondly, in South Africa, the sun is too strong than that of Europe. Its recommended to avoid exposing your body to midday sun especially in the summer and spring months.
Cover yourself with high factor sunscreen or with loose clothings whenever in the sun. Take notice of this since even on overcast days, the sun still remains strong and nothing is bad on a holiday like being burnt by the sun, it can ruin up the whole trip.
The sun almost remains strong throughout the year and on your trip, never get insect repellent, moisturizer, lip shine, a wide brimmed hat as well as not forgetting the sun glasses.

Also essential for your use include work clothes, since its not hot throughout the year. In Cape Town, winds blow the surrounding and even some evenings remain cool.

South Africa Travel Planner

Time changes:
Eastern:     Standard winter time  + 7 hours.
Central:    European winter time + 1 hour.

Comfy shoes:
If you intend to walk through some National Parks in South Africa and a pair of good quality walking boots is also important, since some paths remain un certain despite the majority paths and tracks being good.

Driving licence:
If you intend to drive, then a Driving licence is more important.

National book service:
During your stay, you will need more information on how accommodation can be booked in the whole of South Africa, by Compu ticket as well as cinema and theatre. For more details, visit the web site.

Electricity:
At 50 cycles per second -220/230 Volts AC, Universal round fringed plugs. For electric small appliances and showers, all rooms inmost hotels have 110 Volts outlets.
If you are bringing your own appliances, a travel adapter may be required.