South Africa is a viable place to work, not only because of its diverse cultural influences, but also because it is relatively easy to get a work permit at any South African embassy, due to problems with regards to labour.

A work permit in the country doubles as a temporary residence permit. Only people with job offers in South Africa can be considered for a permit, as it is the potential employer who files for his future employee. The South African High Commission in the applicant’s locale will process the application. A South African work permit should be valid for the length of the employee’s services and expires with the expiration of the employee’s contract with the employer. Aside from the application letter itself, the employer must provide the applicant’s job description and contract, medical certificate, curriculum vitae, birth certificate, as well as proof that the foreign applicant can perform the job better than the locals. All the requirements must be submitted in English, and the applicant must also be vaccinated against yellow fever. Applying for a visa is not necessary, as it comes together with the release of the work permit.

Aside from these requirements, the employer needs to provide the details of the job and the skills that the foreign applicant possesses that make him or her suitable for that employment. The processing of the work permit usually takes seven to ten days before it is released.

Although it is not mentioned in the list, the most important requirement in applying for a work permit is dedication and proper work ethics. The people in South Africa are known to be fun-loving people, but are extremely strict when it comes to working hours and work responsibilities.