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> Immigrating To South Africa

Considering immigrating to and settling in South Africa? Find out about immigration categories, requirements and application procedures, and get the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Please take note: This information is meant to serve as a guide only. Requirements for immigration to South Africa are subject to change, and each application is treated as an individual case. Always make inquiries before travelling to South Africa.

Where can I make inquiries about immigration/permanent residence?
You should make inquiries at your nearest Department Of Home Affairs office if you're in South Africa, at your nearest SA Embassy, High Commission or Consulate if you're abroad (see 'SA offices abroad' box on the right), or directly to:

Department of Home Affairs
Subdirectorate: Permanent Residence
Private Bag X114
Pretoria 0001
South Africa
Telephone: +27(0)12 314 8536
Fax: +27(0)12 325 3446

Who can immigrate to SA?
South African immigration law aims to protect the health and security of South Africans, as well as their rights to employment opportunities in the country.

Protecting & creating job opportunities
South Africa has a vast reserve of unskilled and semi-skilled workers. Generally, a prospective immigrant to South Africa should not follow an occupation for which there are already sufficient people available to meet the country's needs. Unskilled and semi-skilled workers, in particular, will not usually be accepted as immigrant workers in South Africa.

Conversely, immigrants who are in a position to contribute to the broadening of South Africa's economic base will be welcomed. Applications by skilled workers in occupations for which there is a shortage in the country are encouraged - particularly applications by industrialists and other entrepreneurs who wish to relocate their existing businesses or establish new concerns in South Africa.

Commitment to the country
Because of the need to create job opportunities for South African workers, prospective immigrants should be seriously committed to investing their assets, skills and experience for the benefit of themselves and the people of South Africa.

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