Getting a Job In South Africa as a Foreign National

The South African government is planning to put a cap on the number of foreign nationals a business or company can hire. This is primarily due to the rising rate of unemployment as a fallout of the pandemic. Moreover, with the issue of the employment of foreign nationals featuring as a part of the popular discourse recently, the government has clarified its stand on the matter. It further emphasized how the government’s employment and labor department upholds the rights of anyone working in the country. This is regardless of whether one is a citizen or a foreign national.

In this article, we will look at some ways to get a job in South Africa as a foreigner.

How to look for jobs in South Africa 

Seeking a job in South Africa is not a walk in the park, and unless you have a job offer, you cannot contemplate living in this country. However, South Africa is not an ideal place for low-income jobs if you are a foreign national. Additionally, with the recent spate of anti-migrant protests resulting in violent outbreaks in various parts of the country, the situation is even tenser.

However, if you have a job offer in South Africa and want to visit the country for an interview, you can apply for a work permit. It will allow you to visit the country, appear for the interview and then explore further opportunities.

Your job search in South Africa may become easier if you possess a critical skill. A critical skill is something very hard to come by in a candidate. Hence, the South African companies have a harrowing time trying to find one. To get your hands on the list of critical skills, you can look up the website of the South African Department of Home Affairs.

Other areas where you can look for opportunities in South Africa are:

• Risk Management
• Artisan
• Healthcare
• Engineering
• Academics
• Specializations
• Executive and managerial positions
• Manufacturing and chemicals

Other online repositories to look for jobs in South Africa 

Jobs in South Africa are advertised across the country and are available to international candidates only if the companies fail to find a suitable local candidate. Some places where you can look for jobs in South Africa may include:

• Pnet
• Career jet
• ESSA
• Michael Page
• Go Abroad 

As a foreign national, you can contact the recruitment agencies and consultants in South Africa through Ananzi and Yellow Pages. Other options include looking up classifieds from local newspapers online like The Times of South Africa and the Mail and Guardian, for example. Also, trade unions like The Federation of Unions in South Africa or organizations like the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants can help you get a job in South Africa.

Additionally, you may even get in touch with embassies and consulates in South Africa to find out about the job opportunities available. For those jobs that are not advertised, networking may play a crucial role. So if you are interested in a company in South Africa, you can send in your application directly.

Conclusion

Given the present situation in South Africa, job opportunities may be curtailed. But if you are determined to make South Africa your home, you will find a way out through perseverance and resilience.