Scarce Skills Work Permit and Marine Engineer Jobs in South Africa

by Kenneth
(Australia)

Looking for information on Scarce Skills Work Permit and Marine Engineer Jobs in South Africa

I am 54 years of age, and want to stay in South Africa. I live with and want to marry my lady friend who lives in Kempton Park. I am a Marine Engineer, but also played Gigs singing and playing Guitar.
What are my chances of finding a job in South Africa at my age?

Our Response

Hi Kenneth,
I hope you get a breakthrough is your wish to relocate to South Africa. Firstly, it is much easier to relocate by seeking and getting a job in SA whilst you are still in Australia. Getting a work permit after having a job offer will make your life easier.

From what we can see in the market and online, there are marine jobs in SA. Try and do an online search. I am also looking at your age, and thinking you may also consider offering your services to the industry as an independent service provider. But again, you will have to get a contract with the client.

If you want to take the route of applying for a scarce skills work permit, the department of Home Affairs (dha) is your best bet. They produce a list of areas of scarce, critical and special skills required by the South African economy each year.

This is the application process that I got from the dha website:

1. have your formal qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). More infor at www.saqa.org.za
2. Your qualification certificates should be in English.
3. Registration with the relevant South African professional/trade organisation, board or council when necessary.
4. Complete application Form BI-1738, provided by dha and submit with all the documents listed in the form.
5. Submit to your local South African Mission if you are still in Australia.

According to the dha, if you have entered South Africa on a tourist visa you will not be able to apply for a quota work permit inside South Africa as this is in contravention of the Immigration Act

The customer service centre of the dha can be contacted at:
National: 0800 60 1190
International: +2711 461 9252
skills@dha.gov.za

Scarce Skills Work Permit and Telecommunications Engineering Jobs in South Africa

by Terry
(United States)

Looking to relocate to South Africa. What are the scarce skills there. I am a telecommunications engineer with experience in Information Assurance and computer security. Any assistance you can give me is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.