South Africa’s home affairs minister approved planned revisions to work permit restrictions aimed at resolving a bureaucratic mess that’s frustating the nation’s largest investors and aggravating a skills shortage. It is stated that the revisions, which Aaron Motsoaledi has now signed, will be gazetted and made available for public comment in the coming days. Here’s more about the planned changes.
South Africa Plans Changes In Work Permit Regulations
The Home Affairs Minister of South Africa has approved some changes and adjustments. Government research recommended a number of adjustments, one of which might be the introduction of a new visa category for remote workers.
Businesses in South Africa face a shortage of competent labor due to a broken educational system that is made worse by emigration. They said that this is preventing economic growth and making unemployment worse by creating jobs for people with less education and training.
However, a report written for the presidency states that just 25,298 skilled work permit visas were granted between 2014 and 2021. More than half of the applications were turned down for a variety of reasons. This includes mistakes made in the convoluted application procedure and the Home Affairs Department’s incapacity to handle them.
Also Read: Butter Garlic Naan And 3 More Indian Dishes Make It To Top 50 Best Dishes In The World 2023
A Point-Based System
Industry associations, such as the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which advocates for plant owners in the nation, such as Volkswagen AG and Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, have cautioned that the lack of skilled workers might jeopardise 100,000 jobs and impede the expansion ambitions of their members.
Frustrated, some corporations are considering transferring their African headquarters to other nations on the continent. This is according to complaints compiled by a lobby representing European Union companies working in South Africa.
The research, which was made public by the president in April, made eight recommendations. One of it was to implement a points-based system. This would give work permits to applicants who met certain requirements related to education and pay.
It’s unclear if the modifications will affect all of them or just some of them. The report’s authors noted that while obtaining a work visa in South Africa can take up to 48 weeks, it only takes up to 12 weeks in Kenya and eight weeks in Nigeria.
The public will have thirty days to comment on the modifications before they become law. (as per Hindustan Times)
Also Read: Chef Garima Arora Becomes First Indian Female Chef To Get Two Michelin Stars For “Gaa” In Thailand
Raise $110 Billion Investment
Earlier this year, South Africa stated that it would be reforming its work visa programme. This will be in an attempt to raise $110 billion in investment by 2028.
Speaking at the fifth SA Investment Conference, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa announced that the government would shorten the time it takes to secure a work visa. this will be done by streamlining the application process.
Indian corporate conglomerates applauded South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to restructure the work visa system. Thinking, it will increase employment and attract numerous investments to the nation.
Also Read: Big News! Curly Tales Launches Its 1st Indian Street Food Restaurant In Bandra
What are your views?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
Good news! We are on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Curly Tales WhatsApp Channel to stay up-to-date with exclusive content and BTS. Join HERE.