South Africa’s Points-Based System for Work Visas

Introduction

South Africa has made significant strides in updating its immigration policies with the introduction of a points-based system for the General Work Visa. This system is set to modernise the country’s approach to attracting skilled foreign workers by providing a structured framework for evaluating visa applications. Building on previous visa types, such as the General Work Visa and the Critical Skills Visa, this system will offer new opportunities for foreign nationals while ensuring the needs of South Africa’s labour market remain a priority.

In this article, we will explore the points-based system, its criteria, and the multiple pathways applicants can take to meet the required points. We’ll also delve into why the government is adopting this new approach and how it aims to resolve issues that have historically affected the General Work Visa.

What Didn’t Work with the General Work Visa?

The General Work Visa has long been a vital pathway for foreign nationals looking to work in South Africa. However, the visa has faced several challenges that have limited its effectiveness in balancing the needs of local employers and the demands of the economy:

Lengthy Application Process

The General Work Visa process has been notoriously slow, with bureaucratic hurdles that often delay applications. The involvement of multiple government departments, including the Department of Labour, which must verify that no suitable South African candidate can fill the position, has led to long processing times.

Inconsistent Criteria

Applicants have struggled with unclear and inconsistent requirements, leading to confusion and rejected applications. Employers, too, have found it difficult to navigate the system, particularly in proving that local recruitment efforts were unsuccessful.

Emphasis on Local Labour

While prioritising local employment is important, the process has sometimes made it difficult for employers to bring in much-needed foreign talent. The stringent requirements for proving that no local candidates are available have deterred both employers and foreign workers from pursuing this visa.

Limited Flexibility

The General Work Visa has had little room for flexibility, particularly for highly skilled workers who may not have a job offer in hand but are still valuable to the economy. The visa also didn’t consider applicants who might have significant work experience or qualifications but lacked immediate employment prospects.

Why is the Government Taking This Step Forward?

The introduction of a points-based system is a direct response to these challenges. By moving towards a more structured and transparent approach, the South African government aims to streamline the visa process and attract the right kind of talent to boost its economy. Here’s why this step is important:

Global Competitiveness

Many other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and the UK, have long employed points-based systems for work visas. By adopting a similar approach, South Africa can become more competitive in attracting highly skilled foreign workers.

Simplified Process

A points-based system offers clearer criteria and measurable requirements. This helps both applicants and employers understand what is needed for a successful application, reducing confusion and speeding up the decision-making process.

Flexibility

The new system offers more flexibility by recognising various ways applicants can contribute to the economy, whether through qualifications, experience, language skills, or adaptability. This flexibility is particularly important for industries that require specialised skills or innovative talents.

Economic Growth

By attracting skilled workers, South Africa can stimulate sectors in need of talent, ultimately supporting economic growth. The points-based system is designed to ensure that those who are most likely to contribute to the country’s prosperity are given priority.

Overview of the Points-Based System

The points-based system for the General Work Visa in South Africa was first hinted at in the 2017 White Paper on International Migration. After years of anticipation, the system was officially gazetted in 2024, finally aligning South Africa’s visa policies with global standards seen in countries like Australia and New Zealand. Today, the scorecard was released, and here are the criteria:

Various Pathways to Reach the Points Threshold

The points-based system offers multiple ways for applicants to reach the necessary points for a work visa. Unlike the previous General Work Visa requirements, which heavily depended on a job offer and proving no local alternatives, the new system considers a broader range of factors. Here are three examples as to how someone can reach the 100-point threshold.

Applicant 1: Lisa (Marketing Manager with a Master’s Degree)

• NQF Level 8 (Master’s Degree): 30 points
• Offer of Employment (Above R976,194 gross per annum): 50 points
• Work Experience (10+ years): 30 points
• Proficient in English: 10 points
• Total: 120 points

Applicant 2: James (Hotel Manager with a Bachelor’s Degree)

• NQF Level 7 (Bachelor’s Degree): 30 points
• Offer of Employment (Between R650,796 and R976,194 gross per annum): 20 points
• Work Experience (10+ years): 30 points
• Offer from Trusted Employer: 20 points
• Proficient in English: 10 points
• Total: 110 points

Applicant 3: Chloe (Sales Manager with a Bachelor’s Degree)

• NQF Level 7 (Bachelor’s Degree): 30 points
• Offer of Employment (Above R976,194 gross per annum): 50 points
• Work Experience (5-10 years): 20 points
• Proficient in English: 10 points
• Total: 110 points

In each case, the applicants were able to meet the 100-point threshold through a combination of qualifications, salary, work experience, and language proficiency.

The scoring system for the visa demonstrates that both highly qualified younger applicants and experienced older applicants can qualify. For instance, younger applicants like Chloe, with fewer years of work experience, can compensate by having a high salary and relevant qualifications. Meanwhile, older applicants like Lisa and James, with extensive work experience, also meet the threshold through a combination of experience, employment offers, and qualifications.

Waiving of Department of Labour and SAQA

A waiver letter, dated 8 October 2024, was also published on the Department of Home Affairs' website.

It waives the requirement for a certificate from the Department of Employment and Labour and partially waives the need for a SAQA-evaluated qualifications certificate. If the SAQA evaluation is pending, applicants can still receive a 12-month visa upon proof of submission. The waiver allows the submission of visa applications but does not guarantee approval or grant any immigration status.

This waiver aims to streamline the application process, especially for sectors facing a shortage of skilled labour. It forms part of broader immigration reforms intended to attract foreign expertise and ease employment in key industries.

Conclusion

South Africa’s new points-based system for work visas marks an evolution in the country’s immigration policies. By addressing the shortcomings of the General Work Visa and adopting a more flexible, structured approach, the government aims to attract skilled workers who can contribute meaningfully to the economy. The points-based system offers a range of pathways for applicants to reach the required points, whether through qualifications, work experience, language skills, or employment offers.

As the system continues to evolve, foreign nationals interested in working in South Africa will need to stay informed about the criteria and ensure they are well-prepared to meet the points requirements.