AN international immigrants’ rights group led by a Zimbabwean legal expert has hailed the South African government for the introduction of regulatory policies to modernise and streamline the work visa processes.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs recently announced the introduction of a regulatory framework including the points-based system.
In a statement recently, the department said the changes were aimed at creating a clearer, more efficient and transparent visa application process that fostered business growth and lawful immigration.
South Africa Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber gazetted the Third Amendment of the Immigration Regulations, 2014, which introduced the points-based system.
In an interview with NewsDay, Global Immigration and Legal Consultancy legal director Gabriel Shumba, a Zimbabwean lawyer, hailed the introduction of the points-based system.
He, however, expressed reservations on its applicability on general work visas.
“Obviously, the points-based system gives a clear and transparent system for the adjudication of applications and is thus welcome on that score,” he said.
“However, insofar as it applies to general work visas, it is regrettable and unnecessary.
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“Firstly, the term ‘general’ denotes a situation where the employer does not need specific skills.
“Experience and qualifications thus become irrelevant and not many may possess these aspects.”
Shumba said the issue of language proficiency should not arise as that should be left to the employer and employee relationship such as between a Chinese employer and a Chinese domestic employee.
“These requirements thus are stringent and unnecessary for an economy that still needs general workers,” he said.
The South African government indicated that the points-based system now governed critical skills work visas and general work visas.
“To qualify, applicants must score at least 100 points based on factors such as work experience, qualifications, salary, language proficiency and whether they received an offer from a trusted employer,” the government statement said.
“This system provides clear, measurable criteria, making it easier for businesses and applicants to understand and prepare for the visa process.”
It further indicated that the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate, which has traditionally been required for visa applications, will be partially waived for critical skills and general work visa applications submitted after the signing of the new directive.
“The partial waiver allows applicants to submit proof of an application made to SAQA, while awaiting the outcome to apply for a work visa to be issued for a period of 12 months. Once the SAQA certificate is obtained, the visa may be renewed for the full five-year period,” the government said.
