I am British. What would be involved if I wanted to move to South Africa and live there permanently?

Question

Is it fairly straightforward for an Englishman to migrate to S.A., or is it hard? I am an archaeologist, but would be happy to work as anything in S.A.

I want to move as my family has roots in southern Africa and I feel it is time to see if I can get back to the homeland (if you'll have me!).

Answer 1

Hi,

I just thought I would add that another route to enter SA is if you are financially independent. Im not sure quite how much money that involves.. or what your financial situation is, but should you be in a favourable position in that regard its worth looking into.

As others have mentioned there is serious job shortages in South Africa and unless you have a highly specialised skill that is needed there I wouldnt think it likely you would secure a job there.

Working for yourself is an option if you have the capital.

If you havent already been to South Africa I would say visit it and spend some time there before making any decisions.

As a South African living in the UK for many years, and now returning home, I am PRO SA! and if you can make the move go for it.

Here is a link may be helpful:

http://www.skillclear.co.uk/sa/default.a...

Oh, and I wouldnt entertain the idea of joining the military there.. just my opinion

Answer 2

I knew an guy from England who stayed in SA for a few years, got married, had a house, car, the works.  He got deported.  When he queried why he couldn't stay, his wife being from SA and all, they told him he had a month to leave.  No other answer, just his 30 days.  That was in 2000.  Things have probably got better but I think that without a prospective employer, you'll probably battle.

I knew another guy from Zambia, moved here, studied one year out of his 3 year course in architecture and got his ID book 1,5 years after he gave up his studies, no problems apart from the usual 1 year waiting period.

So in short, if you're non-white, it should be easy, otherwise you may battle.  But ja, try get an employer and see if maybe they can help you writing a letter of motivation to our home affairs.  They're incompetent though so don't expect it to be a quick process.

Why not try Ghana, Botswana or Mauritius?  I know in Mauritius if you invest a certain amount of money or buy a house that's not within 1km of the beach you can stay indefinitely.

Joining the military probably would help, if you're happy to be in a force of 80 odd percent HIV/AIDS victims.

Answer 3

Hey, the SA military is still there but if it's working would be another thing. I heard that the AF can't fly the planes coz they got no one to do it. I don't know what the situation is in SA these days because I've been gone for almost 3 years, but I've heard it's not all too well there.

Answer 4

I would advise you to do a thorough research about job possibilities in South Africa.  If you are black, then you will have a great advantage.

But, check these links for more info:

http://www.globalvisas.co.za/south-afric...

http://www.southafrica.co.za/coming_to_s...

http://www.imcosa.co.za/visa_services/ex...

http://www.careerjet.co.za/jobs/b/bizcom...

http://www.iss.co.za/pubs/ASR/SADR6/Cill...

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Afric...

http://www.archaeology.org.za/

Happy reading.  That should keep you going thru the weekend!

Answer 5

By all accounts it will be difficult getting work as at the moment the work goes to the local black population ( I don't want to offend anyone, wasn't sure how else to write it )

I have visited South Africa many times and looked into buying a house over there because I love the place but even the locals in Cape Town have told me that it will be hard finding work.

I am not sure of the in's and outs at the moment because I gave up on the idea for the time being. If you get to go the you will make me VERY jealous.

My best advice is to check out the South African Government website to see if they have any information regarding emigrating.

Good luck and all the best

Answer 6

Why?

why not move to myanmar or sudan maybe srilanka ,i heard gaza's nice this time of year.

Answer 7

apartheid

Answer 8

...Why? Plan on working in the diamond mines? Go watch Blood Diamond before planning stepping foot into that continent... even South Africa!

Answer 9

Unless you are married to a South African, and I take it you are not, it could be quite difficult to get permanent residency. You could get a holiday or working visa. I don't think British citizens can join the South African Army. Interesting, I am in the same situation, just the other way round.Any advice?

Answer 10

If I can give you very good advice, please first come here to SA to look for a job before you sell your house and give up everything in the UK. First obtain a work permit. Archaeologists are employed by the state or most of them are. We have Affirmative Action policies here, so it will be difficult and almost impossible for you to get a job. As for the Army, the army pay very little money to their permanent force members. Like I say, first come and have a look and First and foremost secure a job.

Answer 11

They will have you back but make sure you bring your flame thrower because when the natives go wild they will have you on a stick