South Africa is an attractive work destination, since it offers a lot of job opportunities. If one is planning to work there, one needs a South African work permit or visa and an employer’s guarantee of a job.
Applying for a South African work visa usually takes one week to 10 days. The application must be made by the employer on behalf of the applicant, and not the employee. Among other requirements, the employer needs to present a detailed labour contract, including all employment conditions and the entire period covered by the work permit, signed by both parties. The employer must also establish proof that the chosen foreigner is the best candidate for the job and that no local worker has been passed over in favour of hiring him.
In general, the documents needed to be included with a work visa application are: a birth certificate; application forms A, C, and BI-159; a marriage certificate if applicable; the worker’s employment contract with details about the designation, time, and salary of the employee; a medical certificate, proof of unsuccessful newspaper advertisements for the job and reasons establishing why a member of the local workforce was unsuited for the job; a translation of every certificate in English; and the employee’s testimonial that he or she is fit for the said job.
Other requirements include a passport valid for the entire period the employee wishes to stay in South Africa, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and proof of enough funds to finance his stay.