1.1 | The Republic of South Africa can accommodate only a certain number of immigrants. There are valid reasons for this. In the first instance South
Africa has a vast reserve of unskilled and semi-skilled workers who are entitled to employment opportunities and to an economically viable lifestyle for themselves and their families. For this reason no one in the unskilled
and semi-skilled categories will normally be accepted as an immigrant worker in South Africa.
. |
| 1.2 | Because of the considerable need for the creation of job opportunities for South African workers, as well as for their training and development, it
will be understood and appreciated that the RSA cannot afford to grant permits for immigration to persons who are not seriously committed to immigrating to the country permanently and to investing their assets,
skills, knowledge and experience for the benefit of themselves and the people of South Africa. He/She must not follow an occupation in which there are already a sufficient number of persons available to meet the requirements of the country. |
| 1.3 | The present immigration policy places emphasis on the broadening of the economic base of South Africa by concentrating especially on the obtaining of those immigrants who are in a position to render a meaningful contribution in this regard.. |
| 1.4 | The South African immigration policy is embodied in the Alien Control Act, 1991 (Act No 96 of 1991), which prescribes certain requirements, which are to be met by an applicant who wishes to immigrate permanently to South
Africa. |
| 2 | Immigration in the category of prospective job-seekers is not open. But after obtaining a confirmed job offer from South Africa, one can apply for a
Work-Permit . |
| 3 | Doctors, who are interested to immigrate would be judged on their individual merits and the procedure of deciding the application is based on
a Government to Government basis. |
| 4 | Students who wish to study in South Africa must contact the Universities directly and enrol before applying for a study-permit. |
| 5 | Processing fees of $1,155 or Rs 57,750 (non-refundable). |
| 6 | A foreigner is permitted to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit if he falls in any one of the following categories. |
| a) | Workers |
| | Age group usually between 18-51 |
| | Firm employment offer |
| | Registration with a relevant South African body |
| | Motivation from employers as to the necessity for a foreigner to fill up the post |
| b) | Family Reunion Scheme
|
| | Economically active but without a firm employment offer |
| | Family undertaking to assist the applicant and his family financially |
| | Processing fees as enumerated above |
| c) | Spouses and children
|
| | Spouse of either South African citizens or Permanent Residents of RSA |
| | Proof of Marriage
|
| | Proof of income like a salary/bank statement/ sufficient means to support spouse and any dependents. |
| d) | Persons who are sponsored
|
| | Destitute, aged or infirm family member |
| | Proof of income of sponsor/ means to support the applicant |
| | In case of being financially self-supporting, applicant must apply in own right eg-as retired |
| e) | Retired persons |
| | Documentary proof of financial assets readily transferable to RSA |
| | Extent of amount transferable and / or assurance of a continued income of sufficient extent from abroad |
| f) | Fiance(e)'s |
| | Engaged to South African citizens or P.R. permit holders |
| | Considered to be acceptable in their own right. |
| g) | Financially independent persons (no age restriction) eg:investors |
| | Transfer of an amount of R15,00,000 (or INR 75,00,000) to South Africa of which R7,00,000 (or INR 35,00,000) must be invested in the S.A. economy for 3 years either as a deposit with a financial institution or through acquisition of an immovable property. After the 3 yrs, if this fails then their Immigration permits would be withdrawn. |
| | Refrain from working or establishing own business without DHA approval. |
| | Notify DHA of any change of address during the 3 yr period. |
| h) | Own Business (no age restriction) |
| | Provide sufficient funds for their and their families' maintenance. |
| | Transfer minimum amounts as determined by the Immigrants Selection Board (with / without consulting other bodies) as sufficient to establish such businesses, taking due consideration of their nature and extent . |
| | After a year, must submit audited financial statements, documentary evidence of at least two South Africa citizens or Permanent residents (other than family members) working in the company and documentary evidence that
the amounts as determined by the ISB have been utilised for the intended purposes. |
| | Submit a feasibility study wrt any new business you wish to start. |
| i) | Own business in Partnership or Co-operation (with one or more persons or continuing an established business) |
| | After a year, must submit evidence of contributing substantially to the South African economy. |
| | Proof of full-time employment of atleast two South African citizens or Permanent residents excluding family members. |
| 7 | Applicants should not place themselves in specific categories. They would be subjected to a personal interview by a High Commission official. |
| 8 | For an extension of the Permanent Residence Permit / Immigration Permit, the following documents need to be submitted : |
| | 1. BI-1057 : |
| | 2. Medical Report
: |
| | 3. Radiological Report
: |
| | 4. Police Clearance Certificate
: |
| | 5. Fee of $88 per individual
: |
Immigration Permit