Exceptional skills work permit for South Africa

If you are an existing exceptional skills work permit holder please ensure you read the below.

What’s happened to the exceptional skills work permit?

In June 2014 the South African immigration act was amended and the exceptional skills work permit was withdrawn as an option for those seeking a work permit to South Africa.

Does this mean my permit is invalid?

No your permit remains valid until the expiry date on the endorsement.

So where is the problem?

The issue lies within the fact you are not able to renew your exceptional work permit, if you therefore wish to stay beyond your current exceptional work permits expiry date you would need to apply for a different type of permit (now to be called visa).

Do I wait until my exceptional permit expires?

No, it is essential we review your options as soon as possible so proper plans may be put in place. We would encourage all exceptional work permit holders to make contact with me asap but if you have left 12 months or less on your exceptional permit is imperative we speak now.

Does it mean I will have to leave the country upon expiry of my exceptional work permit?

Not necessarily but we need to review what other permit options may be applicable to you, this is why it is so important we speak soon.

What if I have a pending application?

Due to the extended delays at the Department of Home Affairs you may have an existing application submitted for an exceptional skills work permit.

If the application is for temporary residency then it should be processed under the old regulations and a permit decision made accordingly.
If it was for permanent residency again it should be processed under the old regulations and a permit decision made accordingly. Please however note if your existing temporary visa expires you will not be able to apply for an extension on your existing existing exceptional skills permit and will need to make another plan.