South Africa continues to face a critical skills crisis across many sectors, making it difficult for companies to recruit the resources they need. South Africans continue to look for greener pastures with various opportunities for South Africans to work abroad on the rise attracting our most skilled professionals. This uptick in migration has been exacerbated by various socioeconomic factors, including loadshedding and a weakening Rand. 

While the country remains a hotspot for foreign workers and their families to settle down as well as many looking to work remotely – which is a positive – the South African economy and its businesses continue to need more critically skilled employees. This shortage may be supplemented by foreign nationals in the short and medium term. Unfortunately, however, the stringent and currently backlogged South African visa process makes obtaining a South African work visa challenging. 

This is not the end of the road, though. Xpatweb, South Africa’s premium work permit and immigration provider, has found that providing the government with sufficient, data-driven evidence, could be the key to mitigating this crisis. 

Data-Driven Evidence 

South Africa’s critical skills crisis was brought into sharp focus when Xpatweb released the results from its 2020/2021 Critical Skills Survey. The survey was conducted across 220 multinational and JSE-listed companies and assisted in affecting much-needed change to policy and the current Critical Skills list. 

Xpatweb is currently running the 2023 Critical Skills Survey so that companies and organisations can continue contributing to change. Many companies have already participated, and we have already seen some eye-opening statistics. 

Among the companies that have taken the 2023 Critical Skills survey, preliminary results show: 

• 78% of participants stated that their organisation struggles to recruit critically skilled individuals.
• 73% indicated that an international search will assist the organisation in meeting critical business objectives.
• 82% of participants confirmed succession planning and skills transfer is a priority for their business.

These preliminary results are tracking similarly to the previous Critical Skills Survey. Additionally, this year’s survey included a group of questions specifically relating to spouses of assignees. The initial statistics indicate that there is undoubtedly a need for a remote working visa in South Africa to retain and attract highly skilled foreign workers and their families: 

• 93% stated that the spouse/partner of a Critical Skills Visa holder should be authorised to work in the host country upon recognition of their dependent status; and
• 81% stated that dual career and partner issues have always been and are becoming even more critical to their organisations.

The results from previous surveys have been instrumental in effecting the much-needed change several industries and organisations needed. This year’s survey may be just as influential. 

Effecting Change with the Critical Skills Survey 

Xpatweb runs this survey annually, however, the results from the 2020/21 Critical Skills survey were key in updating the previous Critical Skills list, which had not changed since 2014. The 2022 list not only included new critical skills but with Xpatweb’s continued input, it also re-introduced several essential skills that had previously been marked for removal. These included several occupations in the trade and engineering field. 

Ultimately, the positive response from the government indicated that they are willing to assist if they are provided with sufficient evidence. The Critical Skills survey provides that evidence, and with Xpatweb acting as your representative, positive change can occur. 

A Few Short Questions Away from Making a Difference 

Xpatweb continues to be a trusted source of truth by the government, and as such, a trusted representative for many organisations. By taking Xpatweb’s Critical Skills Survey, you can provide the necessary data and evidence to effect much-needed change. 

Xpatweb is hosting a business-critical breakfast event with Marisa Jacobs and Phindiwe Mbhele (Acting Chief Director: Permits at the DHA) as the speakers. This event will provide insights into the updated critical skills list and the importance of taking the survey this year. 

Visit https://www.xpatweb.com/global-mobility-breakfast/ to register now. 

Participate in the 2023 Critical Skills Survey now: https://www.xpatweb.com/participate-in-xpatwebs-2022-2023-critical-skills-survey/

Submitted by Xpatweb