South Africa Work Visa - Definitive Guide

The South Africa work visa for Indians is an endorsement that lets Indian nationals take up general employment in South African organizations. Almost all the nationals require a work visa to work in the country. The work visa is granted for a stay duration as long as the duration of the work contract. However, it cannot be granted for more than 5 years at once. 

The application for the work permit is done offline. Before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country on a work category. You can then make the application as follows - 

1. Gather all the documents required for the work visa. 
2. Visit the website of the South African Home Affairs. 
3. Fill in the South Africa work visa application form (DHA-1738) with all your details.
4. Along with the documents and application form, visit one of the South Africa High Commission authorized Visa Application Centers (VAC) to submit the application.  

Note that you will have to provide your biometrics at the VAC. As a result, they will be taking your digital photograph, as well as fingerprint scans. 

Also, ensure that you provide correct information and genuine documents. Providing false information and fake documents are grounds for visa rejection.

There are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled at the time of applying for a work visa for South Africa from India. These are as follows -

• You must have proof of confirmed visit

• Your purpose of the visit must be to take up employment.
• You must have confirmed employment that can be proved with an employment contract. 
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to South Africa.
• You will need to undergo a general medical test from a registered practitioner and provide a certificate of the same
• You will need to undergo a radiology test from a registered radiologist and provide a certificate of the same.
• You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind visiting South Africa.
• You will need to submit a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to prove the same.
• You must have sufficient funds

• • • You will need bank statements for the past 3 months showing that you have at least INR 13650 per month. 

Based on your individual case, there will be additional eligibility to meet. To know the exact requirements for your case, do consult with a reputed travel agency.

As per the South Africa Work Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens, you will need to submit the following documents - 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel.
• Filled application form.
• 2 Photos as per the specifications.
• Original covering letter from the applicant.
• Copy of employment contract.
• Certificate from the Department of Labour in South Africa.
• Medical report stating your general health condition.
• Radiology report with regard to active pulmonary TB (Tuberculosis).
• Bank statements for the past 3 months.
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).

Based on your individual case, you may have to submit additional documents. 

• South Africa work visa photo size: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The total cost for South Africa work visa is dependent on the foreign exchange rates and the high commission’s decided fees at the time. Apart from the general visa fees, there will be charges for the medical tests, VAC service charges, and other costs. As a result, ensure that you check the exact amount before starting your application. 

The time taken to process the work visa application can vary as per the duration of your course, the volume of applications at the High Commission, verification of your documents, and so on. Normally, in most cases, it will need a minimum of 60 days from the date of submission at the VAC. As a result, ensure that you apply well in advance. 

Once you have submitted the application at the VAC, it is then sent to the nearest South African diplomatic mission for the processing. This is either the South African high commission in New Delhi or the consulate general of South Africa in Mumbai. Note that the VAC has no influence over the processing and the decision making of the visa. While it is processed, the high commission may demand a personal interview in certain cases. 

After a decision has been made, you can either collect the passport from the VAC or have them deliver it to you for an additional charge. 

You can check the status of your work visa for South Africa by clicking here, and entering the reference number and date of birth. Alternately, you may contact the travel agency you have applied through to know the status.

On successfully obtaining your work visa, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a hassle-free trip to South Africa-

• Before you travel - 

• • Note the validity and stay duration mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. 
  • Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 
• At the border

• • You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer. Your entry stamp will be stamped on the passport.
  • You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as part of your application. 
  • You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 
• When you enter South Africa

• • You must register with your employer as soon as you arrive. 
  • You can extend this visa if required.
  • You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.