In recent years, a growing number of South Africans have embarked on new journeys abroad, often driven by a desire for adventure and career prospects. Countries such as the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Portugal have become popular destinations, offering vibrant job markets, diverse cultural experiences, and appealing lifestyles. Many South Africans are also drawn to the prospect of better educational and healthcare prospects, along with a desire for stability and safety. This trend reflects not only the quest for personal and professional growth but also the exploration of new horizons in exciting global settings.
Here are some of the most popular countries South Africans are immigrating to.
United Arab Emirates
Over the years the UAE has become a popular destination for South Africans seeking new opportunities abroad. With its attractive career advancement prospects, high salaries, and zero tax, it offers a glamorous lifestyle that appeals to many. Currently, over 100 000 South Africans have made the UAE their home, contributing to an enormous expat community that comprises around 89 per cent of the nation’s population. To move to the UAE, you typically need to secure an entry or residence visa, often depending upon having a job offer from a local employer, owning property, or planning to start a business. The primary visa options include the Standard Work visa, Green visa, and Golden visa, each catering to different professional and residency needs. The Golden and Green visas provide long-term residency options with validity periods of 5 to 10 years, which are renewable. While the pathway to UAE citizenship exists, it is primarily reserved for exceptional talents in fields like medicine, science, and the arts, as well as investors and long-term residents fluent in Arabic.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands hosts the second-largest South African community in Europe, boasting approximately 41 000 residents. This appealing destination offers a high standard of living, progressive social policies, and convenient access to neighbouring European countries. Of course, the Dutch language bears a close resemblance to Afrikaans, making the language-learning process for South Africans a lot easier. To immigrate as a highly skilled migrant, prospective entrants must first secure a job offer from a sponsor approved by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). This position must meet certain minimum salary requirements. Upon receiving an offer, employers will apply for a residence permit on behalf of their employees, granting them the right to live and work in the Netherlands. Before travelling, it’s essential to apply for a provisional residence permit (MVV), typically secured by the employer in conjunction with the regular residence application. Alternative ways to obtain a residence permit include starting an innovative business or working as a self-employed individual. However, it’s important to note that not all permits guarantee long-term residency.
United Kingdom
The UK has long been a prominent destination for South Africans seeking to relocate, boasting the largest South African community outside South Africa. Fortunately, immigration to the UK is relatively straightforward for those who meet the necessary requirements. For general employment, the Skilled Worker visa enables those with specific job offers from UK employers to migrate – the position must offer a minimum salary of £38 700 annually, though exceptions apply in certain situations. Various occupation-specific visas are also available, including the Health and Care Worker visa, International Sportsperson visa, and Scale-Up visa. Additionally, South Africans with UK-born grandparents can explore the Ancestry visa. Thanks to these diverse pathways, many South Africans are able to embrace new opportunities and forge fresh beginnings in Great Britain.
New Zealand
Much like the UK, New Zealand has long been a popular destination for South Africans seeking to relocate abroad, renowned for its low crime rates, gorgeous natural landscapes, and robust public welfare system. The country also hosts one of the largest South African communities internationally, facilitating easier integration for Saffa newcomers. Its immigration process, similar to that of the UK, primarily operates on a points-based system. Prospective migrants must typically submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before proceeding with their visa applications. South Africans can choose from a variety of work visas, including the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Straight to Residence Visa, and Work to Residence Visa, each of which depends on the job offer from a New Zealand employer. In addition to work visas, New Zealand provides various family visas to reunite with spouses, partners, or other relatives, along with specific options for entrepreneurs and business owners.
Portugal
Portugal is fast becoming a South African go-to thanks to its family-friendly environment, strong safety record, and abundant business opportunities. The country’s economic, political, and social stability adds to the perks, especially as a member of the European Union, facilitating easy travel across EU nations. The Portugal Golden Visa programme allows non-EU individuals to obtain residency by making substantial investments, such as real estate purchases or job creation, with a pathway to citizenship in just five years. Portugal also offers student visas for those wishing to pursue education and work visas for individuals with job offers from Portuguese employers.
Canada
Canada is also famously popular with South Africans looking to relocate thanks to the relatively straightforward process. Some of the perks include the country’s publicly funded healthcare system, Medicare, which provides free healthcare services to citizens, and its friendly population. For skilled workers, immigration can be initiated through the Express Entry Program. Prospective applicants must submit their profiles to a competitive pool, where they are ranked based on various criteria. It’s worth noting that while the strongest candidates may receive an invitation toapply for permanent residence, entry into the pool does not guarantee this opportunity.
Mauritius
The picture-perfect island of Mauritius, famously one of Africa’s safest countries, offers beautiful beaches and a welcoming English-speaking community for South Africans. Of course, you can visit visa-free for up to 90 days, but longer stays or work require a local work and residence permit. After three years, applicants can eventually seek permanent residence, valid for ten years, and gain property ownership under specific schemes, securing a 20-year residency permit.
Ireland
Ireland is another popular European expat hot spot, renowned for its spectacular landscapes, vibrant nightlife and charming cities. South Africans can travel to Ireland without a visa; however, a visa is required for work, study, or residency. To qualify, applicants must secure a valid job offer and meet specific financial criteria. Various visa categories are available, including work, student, and family visas. After residing in Ireland for five years, individuals may be eligible for permanent residency, and after eight years, they can apply for citizenship.
Malta
Malta’s membership in the European Union provides South Africans with Maltese residency or citizenship the opportunity to live, work, and study freely across the EU. The country also has a bustling expat community, including many from South Africa, making it an inviting option for newbies. Malta’s thriving economy offers job prospects in various sectors such as financial services, tourism, real estate, and manufacturing. South Africans can pursue residency through options like the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), which requires property rental or purchase (Renting for €10 000 per year or purchasing for a minimum of €300 000), government contributions, or a donation to a registered charity. Alternatively, citizenship can be obtained through significant investment, or you can simply opt for a work permit by securing a permanent job in Malta.
