According to research the new UK visa changes are good news for any South Africans who intend to move or work in the country.
With the UK’s new skills-based immigration system, South Africans who want to work in the UK will have increased access to work visas. In some cases, this may even be a path to UK residency. Immigration company Move Up states that the visas will be based on skills and qualifications rather than nationality.
In favour of a more streamlined immigration and visa process, the UK is scrapping the dual EU and non-EU visa system. The new system is designed to attract better talent from other countries and should keep the UK globally competitive.
This means that all nationalities will be able to apply for visas under the same skilled workers route. The most important difference will be that applicants will need sponsorship from a UK employer.
Previously the minimum salary which was needed for a visa was £30,000 per annum although Boris Johnson has reduced this to £25,600 per annum.
The Home Office UK Visas and Immigration Department (UKVI) states that the most significant changes are:
Another change is that there is a new UK visa which allows workers of any skill level to work in the UK for one year. The UK Home Secretary has said that this type of visa will only be available to passport holders from specific countries. He has not named these countries yet.
Mr Rennison from Move Up commented that even with the South African government ‘chasing the revocation of UK visitors’ visas to South Africa, it is still unclear whether South Africa will be included on the list for the one-year visa programme.’
On the one-year visa plan workers will not be allowed to bring their families with them. They will also not be able to access benefits. Once they have the one-year visa they will be unable to switch to another visa or live in the UK permanently.
After the visa has expired at the end of the year they will have to return to their own countries and wait a full year before re-applying.
Schengen visas – 3 changes which will affect South Africans
The Schengen visa has always been the best visa to hold because it gives the traveller the right to travel to 26 European countries, 22 of which are part of the EU.
In February there were several changes made to the terms of the visa application procedures, along with rules and benefits. All representative missions of the Schengen Countries are now obliged to apply the rules. This includes South Africa.
Business Tech looked at the three changes and what they mean to South African travellers.
Increase in price
The fee is expected to increase from 60 euros (R958) to 80 euros per applicant. Additionally, children over the age of 6 will pay 40 euros (R638) instead of 35 euros (R559) per application.
Longer stays
For travellers who arrive from a country with good economic status and those who can show a genuine intention to leave there will be multiple entry visas for five years.
Longer application times
South Africans who apply for these visas will be able to submit their applications up to 6ix months in advance of their planned trip. Currently this window is 3 months.
To sum up
With still so much uncertainty over the new rules and regulations about Brexit, there may be changes to visa regulations. It is advisable that any traveller do their own research before making any travel plans.
For live-in carers, the agency that employs you will be aware of any new legislation that comes out and you should contact them to make sure that you are carrying the correct paperwork.
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