SA issues over 65 000 work permits

Thu, 18 Aug 2011

The Department of Home Affairs’ issuing of works permits to Zimbabwean nationals, under its recent Zimbabwe Dispensation Project, has inflated the number of work permits issued by the department to foreigners, with over 65 000 issued in the first quarter of this fiscal year.

Home Affairs opens Barrack Street office to the public

Mon, 18 Apr 2011

The newly renovated Home Affairs office in Barrack Street, Cape Town, will be open to the public from Monday, 18 April 2011. The office will provide services such as the printing and issuing of birth certificates and other civic documents, applications for permits, and all data will be captured online through live capture technology.

Home Affairs permit processing grinds to a halt

Wed, 12 Jan 2011

The Department of Home Affairs can provide no timelines as to when the processing of temporary residence and permanent residence applicants will get back to normal. According to Leon Isaacson, MD of Global Migration SA, the Home Affairs processing of work, study business and other permits has effectively ground to a halt, with a backlog estimated at 30 000.

Foreign permit process to be fast tracked

Fri, 26 Nov 2010

Foreign nationals applying for extensions for their individual permits will from now on only have to wait 48 hours for these extensions to be processed by Home Affairs. This will enable applicants to travel, work, study and conduct businesses in terms of the conditions of the original permit.

Changes to work permits for Zimbabweans

Tue, 14 Sep 2010

The confusion around current immigration issues in South Africa continues as Home Affairs announces that Zimbabweans will no longer be given a special concessionary permit which allows them to work, study or conduct business on a visitor’s visa. Information is available for HR managers and other employers who need to know about the changes.

Work permit crackdown could cost SA millions

Sun, 04 Jul 2010

Home Affairs’ proposed crackdown on foreign truck drivers crossing the country’s borders without work permits will have a serious economic impact on trade within the SADC region, and is likely to cost Southern African countries several millions of rand a day, according to immigration specialist Leon Isaacson of Global Migration.

Facing new challenges in the immigration arena

Fri, 05 Jun 2009

Visa applications for foreigners who have needed skills are being delayed because the new list, which was due in February, has not been released. Leon Isaacson predicts increasing protectionism for current businesses or industries that are suffering because of the global economic downturn. “We hope this will not lead to the closing down of opportunities for foreigners to work in South Africa," he says.

International youth employment still a reality

Wed, 27 May 2009

The UK is a ‘traditional’ starting point for young travellers from South Africa, and the base from which many explore Europe, says Marc Whitmill. The fact that the British Home Office has instituted entry and work permit regulations complicates living and working in these territories – but it doesn’t remove the opportunity, says Whitmill.

Misinformation can hinder companies from filling scarce skills gaps

Wed, 29 Apr 2009

Sceptical about employing a foreigner? Concerned about conflicting information from the Department of Home Affairs and unnecessary delays? Stop and consider your scarce skills positions before you cast aside CVs from foreigners, as some may be fully qualified, and easily employed.

World economic crisis holds opportunity for SA

Thu, 29 Jan 2009

The current economic crisis has already led to large job losses across the globe and presents an opportunity for South African businesses who have been struggling to find sufficient numbers of skilled workers. Leon Isaacson, MD of Global Migration, warns that companies will have to act quickly to attract these skilled workers who are also wanted in other countries.

Foreign workers may hold dual citizenship in South Africa

Thu, 06 Nov 2008

Foreigners who live and work in South Africa may be concerned that they will have to renounce citizenship of other countries if they wish to apply for South African citizenship. South Africa permits dual citizenship, which allows easier access into other countries for those who want to conduct business or work freely in several parts of the globe. However, it is important for travellers who have dual citizenship to be aware that they must always use their South African passport when entering or leaving South Africa.

More skilled workers are moving across borders

Thu, 06 Nov 2008

Human resources professionals, recruiters and managers are finding it increasingly difficult to source the necessary talent within South Africa to grow their businesses and remain competitive. This is likely to remain an issue for the next 15 to 25 years as education systems adapt to produce more appropriately prepared and skilled individuals, according to Leon Isaacson, managing director of Global Migration SA.

Addressing the challenges of employing foreign talent

Wed, 22 Oct 2008

HR professionals, recruiters and managers are finding it increasingly difficult to source the necessary talent within South Africa to grow their businesses and remain competitive – and this is likely to remain an issue for the next 15 to 25 years, according to Leon Isaacson, managing director of Global Migration SA.