South Africa welcomes skilled foreign professionals with open arms. The government issued a list of needed & wanted professions and qualifications for which foreign nationals can apply for quota work permits, which means they will be allowed to enter the country without first having secured employment.

The permits are issued according to a yearly quota, determined by the National Critical Skills list according to how scarce or essential a particular skill is in South Africa. The regulations are designed to raise skills levels in the country, as part of the broad government initiative boost economic growth to 6% by 2010 and halve poverty and unemployment by 2014.

Last week Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi announced that foreign nationals who met the requirements would be allowed to apply at a foreign mission abroad or at any Home Affairs office inside South Africa.

The quotas were determined in consultation with the departments of Trade and Industry and Labour. Unlike other work permits, quota work permits are issued to applicants before they have secured employment. Holders are allowed into to South Africa so that they can look for jobs in specific professions. The permits don't guarantee employment; rather, they give skilled foreigners the opportunity to compete for work in the country on an equal footing with South Africans.

This is a major departure from the previous system, which required proof that a South African could not have filled the post. Fifty-six occupations have been identified, with the requirement that the potential job seeker should have at least five years experience and have registered with their relevant professional body. "These quotas are determined using the National Critical Skills list - a mechanism designed to assist in recruiting certain skills into South Africa," Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula said when the quotas were announced. "Foreign nationals who are already in the country and possess the needed skills may also apply for work quota permits. These do not only apply to those outside the country."

Some of the quotas are as follows:

    * actuaries - 500
    * aeronautical engineers - 500
    * astrophysicists - 200
    * biological science technicians - 3 000
    * chemical engineers - 100
    * construction and civil engineers - 5 000
    * financial market analysts - 500
    * geologists - 100
    * industrial engineers - 5 000
    * jewellery designers - 250
    * maths and science teachers - 1 000
    * mechanical engineers - 1 000
    * pasture scientists - 500
    * plant pathologists - 1 000
    * research and development pharmacologists - 300
    * risk managers - 500
    * silicon and microchip developers - 1 000
    * software developers - 1 500
    * vehicle diagnostic technicians - 500
    * veterinarians - 500
    * virologists - 250

Subscribe to our newsletter to find out on all events and unique images, music, information and stories on Cape Town and the rest of South Africa.

Apart from that you, as a newsletter subscribers of CapeTownMagazine.com, may win a four-star stay in Cape Town and The Winelands. Three times a year we give away such dream holiday, and other great prizes as well!

Subscribe and Win
Subscribe now to the free, monthly CapeTownMagazine.com newsletter on Cape Town and South Africa and win your dream holiday!

Source: SouthAfrica.info reporter