Previous Exclusion of Skills
The list gazetted in February saw an exclusion of medical professionals despite the shortages we face within South Africa.
As such, there was a massive backlash from various regulatory bodies, as well as medical professionals who already are working in South Africa under the previous 2014 list, in addition to those completing their studies and ready to move on to employment. Many felt that they had studied, worked and placed their lives on the line during COVID times for the country and felt it in bad taste that they were then not able to move on to a Critical Skills Work Visa from a Study Visa, renew their current Critical Skills Work Visas or apply for Permanent Residency.
What does the new list include?
The revised list hosts additions that are predominantly focused on the medical and health practitioner’s field. These skills are related to professionals who either treat or prevent illnesses, diseases and/or injuries. These practitioners specialise in certain disease categories or research within their chosen areas of specialisation.
HASA (The Hospital Association of South Africa) issued a statement that the nurse shortages in South Africa placed a hefty burden on the current nursing professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic, whereby there was an increase in the deterioration of working conditions.
Amongst other occupations, the following is now included in the revised list:
What happens next?
To combat the shortages within these fields, HASA has called out to the private medical sector and various bodies regulating the profession to fully utilise any skilled workers who qualify for a visa based on these professions to ensure functioning medical services provided to the people of South Africa.
If you require assistance and would like to understand your options regarding the new updated list, or to take up employment within South Africa, email us at contact@xpatweb.com
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