Western Cape :: Work and Study Permits

          If you intend to be professionally active in South Africa or to undertake any voluntary or paid employment or studies, you must apply for a work, work-seeker's or study permit. These permits are issued outside South Africa, and function as valid visas in allowing their holders to proceed to a South African port of entry. (In other words, if you're applying for one of these permits, you do not have to apply for a visa separately. Applications for work permits from people 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, as are applications from people wishing to set up a business in South Africa where this will result in:

• Capital being brought into South Africa from abroad
• The manufacture of goods for export; or
• The employment of South Africans.

• The difference between a work permit application and a work-seeker's application is that, in the former case the applicant already has a firm job offer and employment contract, while in the latter case the applicant's appointment is still subject to negotiations and the signing of relevant contract(s).
• Both are to be applied-for and be issued prior to entry into South Africa. Work permits are issued for one year.
• Seconded employees of overseas firms are not considered to be employed in South Africa and do not require permits.

• The procedure to be followed by a foreign student wishing to study in the Republic, is to formally apply for a study permit at the mission in his/her country of residence/origin and await the outcome of the application there, before finalising travel arrangements to the Republic.