Work Permit South Africa Podcast
Work Permit South Africa is your trusted podcast source for expert insights on South African immigration, tailored specifically for corporates, professionals, and affluent families. Hosted by Xpatweb, South Africa's premium work permit and immigration provider, the series offers valuable information on key visa options such as the Critical Skills Work Visa, Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa, and Remote Work Visas, as well as services like the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), visa appeals, and insights into the Points-Based System. Additionally, we provide the latest news on South African immigration, including updates from the Department of Home Affairs and insights on the latest r...
Why SA Employers Are Hiring Abroad | Xpatweb 2026 Critical Skills Survey
In this discussion, Riana de Lange (Journalist) is joined by Marisa Jacobs (Managing Director of Xpatweb) to unpack the Xpatweb 2026 Critical Skills Survey findings.
This discussion explores:
00:00 – Global Skills Shortages and Why They Matter
01:25 – What the Xpatweb 2026 Critical Skills Survey Measures
03:05 – The Top 10 Occupations and New Entries
06:30 – AI Skills and What Employers Are Looking For
09:45 – Management and Soft Skills Shortages
14:31 – The Business Impact of Skills Shortages
19:28 – Work Visas and Immigration Challenges
23:52 – South Africa's National Critical Skills List
29:58 – Career Advice for Students a...
Ask Xpatweb: The Visa Questions Everyone Is Asking
What should you do if your visa circumstances change, your application is delayed or you receive a rejection?
In Episode 2 of Ask XP, Keri Culver (Senior Immigration Consultant) answers five common immigration questions, covering visa application mistakes, professional assistance, processing transparency, refusals, and delays.
This discussion explores:
00:00 - Introduction
00:41 – Changes in circumstances after submitting a visa application
01:52 – Professional assistance vs applying for a visa yourself
02:58 – Visa processing times and transparency
04:06 – Understanding visa rejections and appeal options
05:04 – When to seek professional assistance for application delays
Ha...
Japan's Investment in South Africa: Trust, Skills & Long-Term Growth
Could Japan’s changing labour market create new opportunities for South African skills?
In this video, Keri Culver, Senior Immigration Consultant at Xpatweb, and Jaco Brits, Head of Immigration at Xpatweb, reflect on insights shared by His Excellency Shimizu Fumio, Ambassador of Japan to South Africa, at the Xpatweb Global Mobility Conference.
This discussion explores:
00:00 Japan and South Africa’s strategic partnership
01:26 Why South Africa matters to Japanese investors
04:13 What Japanese investors need in South Africa
05:10 Japan’s view on South Africa’s visa reforms
02:22 Skills transfer b...
Germany & South Africa: The Role of Immigration in Economic Growth
What does global mobility mean for investment, skills development, and South Africa’s ability to compete internationally?
Aadil Wadee (Senior Immigration Consultant) and Manfred Barnard (Senior Immigration Consultant) continue the Global Mobility Conference debrief, reflecting on insights shared by Enrico Brandt, Deputy Ambassador of Germany to South Africa.
The discussion considers how the movement of specialised expertise can influence investment decisions while creating opportunities for knowledge transfer and local skills development.
Visit our website for more insights from the Global Mobility Conference 2026: https://bit.ly/4rJBZ1F
What You Wil...
What Employers Reveal in the 2025 Critical Skills Survey
In this insightful interview on OFM’s Business Hour, Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb, shares findings from the 2025 Critical Skills Survey. With 84% of large corporates struggling to hire highly skilled professionals, Marisa explains how new policies like the Trusted Employer Scheme and the Remote Work Visa are reshaping the mobility landscape.
Visit our website for the Critical Skills Survey Report Summary: https://bit.ly/4oqE1kM
Topics covered:
00:00 – Introduction: What the 2025 Critical Skills Survey reveals
01:25 – Why 84% of major employers are struggling to recruit skilled talent
03:15 – The top 10 most in-demand roles in South Afric...
How to Avoid a South Africa Visa Rejection
Visa rejections are rising in South Africa and at foreign missions abroad, catching applicants off guard and creating uncertainty.
Senior Immigration Consultants Aadil Wadee and Manfred Barnard reveal why rejections are surging and share practical strategies to safeguard your status, this discussion provides the insights needed to make confident, informed decisions.
Book a consultation with our immigration specialists: https://bit.ly/3OeZQTI
Topics covered:
00:00 – Rising visa rejections; some applicants resubmit instead of waiting for appeals.
01:02 – Cleared backlog, but rejections increase; first-time accuracy is critical.
03:23 – Appeals take months; maintain legal status and mee...
Business Trip or Short-Term Work? The Visa Rules You Must Know
In this episode, Aadil Wadee, Senior Immigration Consultant and Admitted Attorney, explains the real difference between South Africa’s Section 11(1) and Section 11(2) short-term visas.
With December travel and January project mobilisation increasing, choosing the correct visa is more important than ever. Aadil breaks down when each visa should be used, how work authorisation changes the process, and the risks of entering South Africa on the wrong visa.
Do you need assistance with short-term visas or corporate mobility, contact us today: https://bit.ly/48C2BJX
#SouthAfricaVisa #ShortTermWork #CorporateMobility
What You Will Learn...
Inside Home Affairs: The New Era of SA Immigration Reform
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign nationals, and choosing the correct visa is essential for a smooth entry into the country.
In this video, Jaco Brits (Head of Immigration at Xpatweb) explains how identifying the right visa category becomes a simple process when supported by an expert team.
With fully digital visa processing on the horizon and improved efficiency across the department, foreign nationals now have a more predictable route to a compliant application. For updates on South African immigration and visa processes, subscribe to the channel and stay informed.
Book a cons...
The Critical Skills Visa Rules Have Changed — Here’s What You Must Know
The Critical Skills Visa is one of South Africa’s most reliable pathways for highly skilled international professionals. In this video, Marisa Jacobs (Managing Director of Xpatweb) explains everything employers and applicants must know to secure a Critical Skills Visa under the latest regulations.
This video covers:
Why outdated information and small mistakes cause visa failures
What the Critical Skills Visa is and how it differs from the General Work Visa
Visa validity, renewals and permanent residency eligibility
Automatic 100 points under the Points-Based System
Seven key requirements to qualif...
The Top 10 In-Demand Roles: Inside South Africa’s Critical Skills Shortage
See how your organisation can adapt and thrive amid growing competition for critical talent. Download the 2025 Critical Skills Survey Report Summary here: https://www.xpatweb.com/2025-critical...
South Africa’s 2025 Critical Skills Survey highlights the professions most in demand and the increasing urgency for skilled recruitment across key industries. In this video, Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb, examines the data behind the shortages, the progress achieved through immigration reforms, and the real implications for employers seeking global expertise.
00:00 – Introduction: Why the 2025 Critical Skills Survey matters
01:20 – The challenge of sourcing critically skilled professionals
03:15 – How the...
WHY SOUTH AFRICA MUST FIX ENERGY AND LOGISTICS TO COMPETE FOR TALENT AND INVESTMENT
At Xpatweb’s 5th Annual Global Mobility Conference, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Ashor Sarupen emphasised that the country must urgently address its electricity and logistics challenges to attract global investment and scarce skills.
He highlighted that structural reforms in energy, ports and transport infrastructure are critical to unlocking growth, lowering costs and creating jobs. Sarupen further noted that for every highly skilled migrant brought into South Africa, seven local jobs are created.
Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, called on corporates to participate in the Critical Skills Survey, a vital tool in shaping...
SA Visa rights, New court ruling explained
The High Court has ordered the Department of Home Affairs to stop adding unofficial hurdles to visa applications, such as demanding long term lease agreements which have no basis in law.
In this interview on Moneyweb, Aadil Wadee, Senior Immigration Consultant discusses how the Court responded after a South African mission abroad refused to accept a Critical Skills Visa application.
Contact Visa Litigation South Africa | Get Legal Support
Key Topics Covered:
00:00 – Court Rules Against Visa Gatekeeping
00:26 – Urgent Court Order and Legal Implications
01:22 – Why This Case Was Exceptional
02:15 – Widespread Issues Across Gl...
South Africa's Investment Game Changer: Reforms That Could Unlock potential
South Africa has the talent, location, and potential to become a global investment hub, but can regulatory reform, global mobility, and a stable tax environment turn that potential into reality?
In this thought-provoking discussion, DM Ashor Sarupen (Deputy Minister of Finance), Prof Keith Engel (CEO, South African Institute of Taxation), and Jeremy Maggs (Renowned Media Personality and Master of Ceremonies) share expert insights on how South Africa can leverage reform to attract foreign investment and accelerate growth.
For more insights and highlights from this episode, visit our highlights page: https://bit.ly/3HGLjAR
Topics...
Unlock SA Business Growth: Leveraging the Critical Skills List
In this exclusive vodcast, Xpatweb hosts the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Higher Education and Training to unpack South Africa’s Critical Skills List. Hear directly from government leaders on aligning skills with workforce needs, public input, and the importance of employer participation.
Key highlights include:
00:00 Why the Critical Skills List Matters
01:29 Government Collaboration on the Critical Skills List
02:23 Labour Market Intelligence and Skills Alignment
05:03 Business Struggles and the Role of International Recruitment
07:12 How the Critical Skills List Is Researched and Built
09:59 Stakeholder Consul...
How to Get Your Visa Application From Denied to Approved
Have you, like thousands of others, had your visa application rejected by the Department of Home Affairs?
You are not alone. South Africa’s visa backlog is leading to a surge in rejections even for well-prepared applications. But a rejection does not mean the end of the road.
Our immigration team understands the urgency and complexity of appealing visa outcomes. From work and spousal visas to permanent residence permits, we help applicants challenge unfair rejections with tailored solutions.
Watch the full episode now.
#VisaAppeal #Xpatweb #ImmigrationSouthAfrica #VisaRejection #VisaPodcast #HomeAffairsBacklog
Marisa Jacobs on OFM | The Business Hour | The B20 Summit & Workforce Mobility
Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, joined OFM’s “The Business Hour” to expand on key takeaways from the B20 Summit Launch in Cape Town and South Africa’s role in the G20 Presidency.
Key takeaways include:
The B20’s impact on global economic policy
The need for agile immigration frameworks to boost workforce mobility
How skills mobility can unlock economic opportunities for Africa
The transition from policy recommendations to real-world implementation
With inclusive growth, shared prosperity, and international cooperation as core themes, this year’s B20 is set to deliver measurable change. ...
PART 3 of 3 | Immigration Update with DHA | Visa Backlog
Tune in as Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, and Phindiwe Mbhele, Director of Corporate Accounts at the Department of Home Affairs, discuss the status of the visa backlog which was at the top of the agenda in 2024.
In this episode, they look at the challenges, ongoing improvements and what this means for current and future applicants.
If you are waiting for a visa outcome or considering applying, this podcast is packed with updates you need to know.
#Xpatweb #WorkVisas #RemoteWorkVisa #Podcast #DigitalNomads #SouthAfrica #VisaUpdates #RemoteWorkOpportunities
PART 2 of 3 | Immigration Update with DHA | Points-Based System
Tune in to our latest podcast discussing South Africa’s newly gazetted Points-Based System that was introduced in October of last year, with Marisa Jacobs (Managing Director of Xpatweb) and Phindiwe Mbhele ( Director of Corporate Accounts at the Department of Home Affairs).
This framework awards points for applicants to be scored based on their occupation, qualifications and work experience in order to qualify for a work visa and aims to help employers bring in new talent to South Africa.
They will break down the scoring criteria and share insights into how the system benefits skilled pr...
PART 1 of 3 | Immigration Update with DHA | Remote Work Visa
Tune into this engaging and insightful podcast with Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb and Phindiwe Mbhele, Director of Corporate Accounts at the Department of Home Affairs, as they discuss South Africa’s Remote Work Visa that came into effect last year.
The Remote Work Visa allows individuals to work for a foreign employer while residing in South Africa.
This visa caters to a diverse group of professionals who value flexibility, cultural experiences and the opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s growth.
From the application process and eligibility criteria to the benefits for profes...
Understanding South Africa's New Immigration Landscape and Visa Renewals
Join Senior Immigration Consultants at Xpatweb, Aadil Wadee and Manfred Barnard, as they discuss:
1. The Newly Introduced Points-Based System
2. The Trusted Employer Scheme
3. Visa Renewals
4. The Backlog in Visa Processing
5. The Importance of Proactive Succession Planning and Compliance
Tune in to our Work Permit South Africa podcast on your preferred platform for more insights and updates on the latest developments. Podcast | Xpatweb
#WorkPermitSouthAfrica #Immigration #PointsBasedSystem #VisaRenewals #Xpatweb #Visa #SouthAfrica #GlobalMobility #DHA #TES #TrustedEmployer
South Africa’s New Points-Based System for Work Visas
Join Manfred Barnard (Senior Immigration Consultant) and Aadil Wadee (Senior Immigration Consultant) as they explain South Africa’s Points-Based System for General Work and Critical Skills Visas in the latest session of the Work Permit South Africa Podcast.
Learn how the new system impacts these visas, with practical scenarios to guide you through the requirements. Get the latest on how these changes could affect your work visa applications and what steps to take next.
For more information, visit our website to read our latest article.
https://www.xpatweb.com/news/new-poin...
#SouthAfricaVisa #Poin...
South Africa’s Remote Work Visa – The Amended Regulation
What makes South Africa an emerging destination for remote professionals?
Learn everything you need to know about South Africa’s Remote Work Visa in this insightful episode of the Work Permit South Africa Podcast, featuring Keri Culver (Senior Immigration Consultant at Xpatweb). She will discuss the amended Immigration Regulations introduced on 9 October 2024.
Topics Covered:
· Remote Work Visa: What it is and who it is for
· Criteria: Financial and employment requirements
· Tax Compliance: Key considerations based on double taxation agreements
Visit our website for more information on...
Unpacking South Africa's 2024 Critical Skills Survey: Key Insights and Workforce Trends | Marisa Jacobs
The Xpatweb 2023/2024 Critical Skills Survey Report provides essential insights into South Africa's most in-demand professions, capturing feedback from top employers to guide HR strategies and policy decisions.
Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, takes us through this comprehensive survey, revealing the skills most needed in today’s competitive market, offering a vital resource for businesses planning their future workforce needs.
Download the full report for a deeper understanding here - https://www.xpatweb.com/xpatweb-annua...
#criticalskillsvisa #xpatweb #immigration #dha #businessnews #surveyresults #2024
NUWE IMMIGRASIE REGULASIES GAAN BAIE BUITELANDERS NA SA LOK
South Africa has taken a bold step with the Third Amendment to the Immigration Regulations, gazetted on 18 October 2024, introducing a Remote Work Visa and a points-based system aimed at attracting top global talent. In this RSG Geldsake interview, Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, shares how these updates will benefit South Africa’s economy and simplify the process for digital nomads and foreign professionals.
Listen to the full interview now and stay connected by following our podcast channels for more insights. Podcast | Xpatweb
Visit our website to explore recent articles and in-depth coverage on this topi...
Understanding the South African Remote Work Visa
In this podcast episode, Aadil Wadee and Manfred Barnard, Senior Immigration Consultants at Xpatweb, guide you through the intricacies of the Remote Work Visa.
They cover crucial requirements, such as the need for an annual income of 1 million ZAR, registration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for visas valid over 6 months, and the applicant to work exclusively for a foreign employer.
This episode offers valuable insights and expert advice to help you navigate the visa process effectively.
For more detailed information, visit our website at Xpatweb: https://bit.ly/3AY5juR
<...
South Africa’s New Points-Based Work Visa System Explained | Marisa Jacobs
In the latest episode of the Work Permit South Africa Podcast, Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, breaks down South Africa’s newly introduced points-based system for work visas, effective from 9 October 2024.
Learn how the system evaluates applicants based on occupation, qualifications, work experience, and salary. Whether applying for a Critical Skills Visa or a General Work Visa, understanding these updates is crucial for a successful application.
Stay informed on the latest immigration regulations and how they impact both individuals and businesses. Subscribe for more insights into South Africa’s evolving immigration landscape!
For more...
South Africa's New Remote Work Visa Explained | Keri Culver on KayaBiz
In this insightful interview on Kaya 959’s KayaBiz with Refilwe Moloto, Keri Culver, Senior Immigration Consultant at Xpatweb, breaks down South Africa’s new Remote Work Visa for digital nomads.
This visa is a game-changer for digital nomads and global professionals, allowing remote workers from foreign companies to live in South Africa for up to six months without taking local jobs. With an income threshold of R650,976.00 annually, this visa aims to boost local economies in key sectors like tourism, hospitality, and real estate.
Read our recent articles for all the latest on South Africa's immigra...
South Africa's New Points-Based Visa System and Remote Work Visa requirements
In this HOTFM interview with Jeremy Maggs, Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, breaks down the new Points-Based Visa System and the simplified Remote Work Visa requirements in South Africa.
Learn how these updates will impact businesses, attract high-net-worth individuals, and streamline the hiring of foreign talent.
Visit our website for more information. https://bit.ly/4feSBaf
Stay connected and subscribe to our podcast platforms now: https://www.xpatweb.com/podcast/
#VisaRegulations #RemoteWorkVisa #SouthAfrica #Xpatweb #Immigration
Intricacies of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) with the Department of Home Affairs
In this episode of the 'Xpatweb Work Visas in South Africa Podcast,' Marisa Jacobs, the Managing Director of Xpatweb, engages in a dialogue with Phindiwe Mbhele, the Director of Corporate Accounts at the Department of Home Affairs, to discuss the intricacies of the Trusted Employer Scheme.
Out of 108 companies that applied to join the TES, 65 have been approved. Some applications are still pending approval. Late applications were not considered, underscoring the importance of adhering to deadlines to maintain trust and credibility.
Should you be recognised as a Trusted Employer, or wish to inquire about th...
South Africa's Visitor's Visa
Listen to our Senior Immigration Consultants, Aadil Wadee and Jaco Brits, as they unpack the Visitor’s Visa categories, covering everything from eligibility requirements to the application process, visa duration, and more.
In this video, our experts cover:
[00:34 – 01:05] Introduction
[01:31 – 03:06] Visitor’s Visa in terms of Section 11(1) vs Visitor’s Visa in terms of Section 11(2)
[03:06 – 03:47] Requirements: What documentation do you need?
[03:47 – 05:29] Application Process: How exactly is the Visitor’s Visa application processed?
[05:54 – 06:30] Processing Times: How long does it take to obtain a Visitor’s Visa?
[06:46 – 07:36] Summary
Visit our website for more insights on t...
South Africa's Study Visa Processes and Requirements
Join our Senior Immigration Consultants, Aadil Wadee and Jaco Brits, as they unpack everything you need to know about obtaining a South African Study Visa. From eligibility requirements to the application process, visa duration, and more.
In this video, our experts cover:
[00:00 – 00:20] An introduction on South Africa’s Study Visa
[00:21 – 01:28] Eligibility: Who qualifies for a Study Visa?
[01:28 – 03:38] Requirements: What documentation do you need?
[03:38 – 05:00] Duration: How long is the Study Visa valid?
[05:00 – 06:38] Renewal and Changes: What to do if you need to renew your visa or change your learning institution? Can you submit the c...
Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa: Expert Analysis by Xpatweb Consultants
Join in the discussion with Aadil Wadee and Manfred Barnard, Senior Immigration Consultants at Xpatweb, for a discussion on the Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa. This essential visa is designed for multinational companies looking to move key employees to South Africa for extended periods.
In this video, learn how the Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa facilitates smooth staff integration, enhances skill sets, and optimizes talent deployment.
Gain valuable insights on refining your global mobility strategy and overcoming the complexities of international transfers.
Visit Xpatweb’s website to apply for your companies Intra-Company Work Visa: https://bit...
Immigration: Catalyst for Economic Growth in South Africa | Dr. Leon Schreiber & Marisa Jacobs Discuss Home Affairs Transformation
We are excited to announce the release of Xpatweb’s exclusive vodcast featuring Dr. Leon Schreiber in conversation with Marisa Jacobs, facilitated by David O’Sullivan.
Explore how immigration drives economic stimulation, get insights on the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP), and learn about the Department of Home Affairs' priorities, including automation and resource needs.
This is an invaluable session for HR and global mobility professionals and corporates!
For more insights and highlights from this event visit our page: https://bit.ly/4gpIi4A
Work Permit South Africa Podcast
🎙️Press play to streamline your business’ immigration and mobility.
Introducing the Work Permit South Africa Podcast, where we cut through the red tape to bring you smart strategies for managing your expatriates. Whether you are scaling your team globally or fine-tuning your HR mobility programmes, we have got the insights to simplify the process.
Join our experts as they share straight-talking solutions for visas, compliance, and bringing in top talent. Like it, listen, and share—because smoother immigration means smoother business! https://bit.ly/48NnJeZ
#ImmigrationSolutions #GlobalMobility #HRLeade...
