The reason why Filipinos go to South Africa for work is likely due to the strong trade relationship between the two countries, as well as the advanced infrastructure and economic opportunities available in South Africa. As the biggest trading partner of the Philippines in Africa, South Africa offers a significant market for Philippine goods and services, which has likely led to increased business ties between the two countries. Moreover, the ratification of the Philippines-South Africa Trade Agreement in 2002 has further strengthened this relationship.
South Africa’s well-developed economy, advanced infrastructure, and established sectors such as finance, law, communications, energy, and transport provide opportunities for employment and business growth, which can attract foreign workers, including Filipinos. The country’s status as a major exporter of natural resources like gold and platinum, as well as having Africa’s biggest stock exchange, further contributes to its economic strength and potential for employment. Therefore, it is likely that Filipinos go to South Africa for work because of the strong economic ties and opportunities available in the country.
Table of Contents
So, if you are a Filipino planning to work in South Africa, this article will guide you through the process of finding any available jobs in South Africa for Filipinos and also help you find out how to apply for those jobs. If you’re considering a move to Africa, keep reading to discover the top 10 jobs that might be the perfect fit for you!
Requirements
If you intend to search for and apply for jobs in South Africa, the general requirements can be found by clicking this link Requirements.
Qualifications
To find a job in South Africa, you need to understand the labor market, work culture, and legal requirements. Employers may look for qualifications such as education, work experience, language skills, technical skills, soft skills, and cultural fit.
Important Steps
Searching and applying for jobs in South Africa can be a challenging process, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some important steps to keep in mind:
I. Job Search
Online platforms are the most convenient way to find a job in South Africa. They allow you to search for and apply for jobs from anywhere, at any time. You can also use them to keep track of all your applications and follow up on them as needed.
Pnet
This is a recruitment agency that offers job opportunities in various fields, including IT and engineering. You can also find jobs on their website if you’re looking for something other than an employee position.
So, here is a step-by-step guide to searching for jobs in South Africa for Filipinos using Pnet:
1. Go to the Pnet website at https://www.pnet.co.za/.
2. On the search bar, enter keywords related to the job you are looking for. Enter the keywords related to the job you are looking for in the search bar (e.g. “IT jobs”, “South Africa”).
You can also filter your search by selecting the job category, job type (full-time, part-time, etc.), and location (city or province) from the dropdown menus.
3. Once you have entered your search criteria, click on the “Find jobs” button.
4. You will see a list of job openings that march your search criteria.
5. Click on the job title to view the job details.
6. if you are interested in applying for the job, click on the “Apply Now” button and follow the instructions to submit your application.
Grabjobs.co
This site lists all types of vacancies from employers across the country; it’s updated daily so you’ll always have access to fresh listings!
Here are the steps to successfully search for jobs using GrabJobs.
Step 1: Access GrabJobs South Africa
Visit the GrabJobs South Africa website by typing https://grabjobs.co/southafrica into your web browser. This will take you directly to the South African job search portal.
Step 2: Enter Keywords and Location
In the search bar, enter relevant keywords related to your desired job, such as job titles, skills, or industries. Next, type in your preferred location, such as a city, town, or province in South Africa. This will help narrow down your search results to job opportunities that match your criteria.
Step 3: Filter Your Search Results
After entering your keywords and location, click the “Search” button. You will be presented with a list of job opportunities that match your search criteria. To further refine your search, use the filters on the left side of the page. You can filter by job type, salary range, experience level, and more.
Step 4: Browse Job Listings
Take your time to browse through the job listings that match your search criteria. Read the job titles, company names, and brief descriptions to get a sense of the available opportunities. Click on any job listing that interests you to view more details.
Step 5: Review Job Details
On the job details page, carefully read the job description, requirements, and benefits. Make sure the position aligns with your skills, experience, and career goals before proceeding.
Step 6: Apply for Jobs
If you find a job that you’re interested in and qualified for, click the “Apply” button on the job details page. You will be redirected to the employer’s website or application portal to complete your application. Follow the instructions provided by the employer to submit your application.
Step 7: Track Your Applications
Keep track of the jobs you’ve applied for, the application deadlines, and any communication from potential employers. This will help you stay organized and on top of your job search.
Step 9: Network and Connect
In addition to browsing job listings, consider joining the GrabJobs community and connecting with other job seekers and industry professionals. This can help you expand your network and increase your chances of finding the perfect job.
Bestjobs
BestJobs focuses on finding work at companies with good reputations (such as banks).
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to search for jobs in South Africa for Filipinos using https://www.bestjobs.co.za :
1. Go to https://www.bestjobs.co.za/ and click on the “Candidate sign up” tab located at the upper right of the page.
2. Create an account using your google account or email address.
3. Fill in the required information to create your profile, including your personal and professional details.
4. Once your profile is complete, you can start searching for jobs.
5. Enter the job title or keyword related to the job you are looking for in the search bar and click on the “Find jobs” button.
6. You can refine your search results by selecting the location, industry, and job type in the filters provided on the left-hand side of the page.
7. Click on the job title to view the job details and requirements.
8. If you are interested in applying for the job, click on the “Apply Now” button and follow the instructions to submit your application.
9. You can also save jobs that interest you by clicking on the “Save Job” button, which can be found next to the job title.
10. To view your saved jobs, click on the “Saved Jobs” button located on the top of the page.
DMW Website
Step 1: Go to the DMW website by clicking this linkà https://www.dmw.gov.ph/approved-job-orders.
Step 2: Type in “South Africa” in the search box and click “Search”.
Step 3: Choose the job order you want to apply for and read through its details. Check if it is still open and if there are any requirements that you might need to fulfill before applying. If there are no requirements, then proceed with the next step.
II. Getting a South Africa Work Permit and Work Visa
The Department of Home Affairs gives out work permits or short-term visas to people who want to work. Applications for temporary residence visas are processed and finalized at the Department of Home Affairs offices overseas. Once the visa has been approved, you should make travel plans. These are the kinds of visas:
- General work visas account for most working visa applications. General Work Visas are given to foreigners when it has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that South African citizens and permanent residents with the right qualifications, skills, and experience are not available for appointment.
- Critical Skills Visa Foreign workers in critical professions in South Africa receive critical skills work visas. In a Government Gazette, the Minister of Home Affairs sometimes puts out a list of very important skills. You must show proof of qualifications to get a critical skills visa.
- Intra-company visa Foreign nationals can work in South Africa for their employer’s local branch, or subsidiary, or affiliate with an intra-company transfer visa. Multinational companies may sometimes decide to move a key employee from a branch in another country to a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of the same company in South Africa. These workers must apply for work permits to move within the same company.
Visa Requirements and Qualifications
- Apply for a general work visa.
The applicant needs a job offer before applying. South African citizens and permanent residents must have been offered the position through print media advertising and a rigorous Department of Labour process. If a local candidate cannot be found, the foreign national may be hired.
- Critical skills visa eligibility.
If their profession is on the critical skills list and they have SAQA-recognized qualifications and experience, a foreign national can apply for a critical skills work visa.
- Intra-company transfer visas.
For instance, Steve works for Cupertino-based Pear Computers Limited. Steve fixes failing businesses. Steve must work in Cape Town for Pear Computers Limited. Steve needs an intra-company transfer visa.
South Africa Work Visa Validity
- General Work Visa work validity
General work visas last 5 years. The visa’s duration depends on the applicant’s motivation. This is why professional applicants are more likely to get a five-year visa than self-applicants.
- CS visa duration
Critical skills visas allow 5 years of work in South Africa. Download the critical skills list here. Read Government Gazette Immigration Act critical skills section for more information about the critical skills in South Africa.
- Intra-company visa length
Intra-company Transfer visas allow 4 years of work in South Africa.
Work Visa Pros and Cons
Pros
- You would gain a valuable employee for two years after the visa is approved because most foreign workers are loyal to the company that files a work visa petition.
- If the petitioner has all the paperwork, filing it is easy.
- Foreign workers rarely lose their work visas.
- Foreign workers receive a three-year work visa the first time and three more years after that.
- Document renewal is cheap for the second three years.
Cons
- Work VISA petitions are costly for businesses.
- The work visa petitioner is not required to hire the employee. Thus, a foreign worker could wait until the company files the petition, get their work visa, stay for a few months, and then leave to work for another company. An employer can create a verbal or written contract to prevent this.
III. Preparation in Going to South Africa
Here are some things you need to do before moving to South Africa.
- Research it. You should research key aspects of life in South Africa before moving there. You probably can’t wait to go on a safari, visit the Cape Winelands, or eat all the delicious food in the country. If you’re moving to the Rainbow Nation, you should learn more about it. Spending time considering everyday things like the climate, culture, and legal system will help you succeed when the time comes.
- Pick a place to live. If you’re moving to South Africa, you’ll likely be overwhelmed by the number of places to live. International arrivals often settle in Cape Town or Johannesburg, Africa’s economic centre. These cities have excellent housing, schools, and other amenities. Jacaranda City, Pretoria, is one of South Africa’s three capital cities, and Durban, where you can swim in the sea year-round, is another popular place to live. Do plenty of research before moving to South Africa to start your new life on the right foot. Move to South Africa.
- Moving abroad and transporting all your belongings can be overwhelming. You’re probably not close to South Africa. It may be difficult to move all your belongings. Start planning early to ensure a low-stress move. Many ex-pats use a global relocation company to smooth things over. These companies should be your first call for personal and corporate relocations. If you don’t have a home in South Africa, some provide storage.
- Arrange your pet’s South African move. A home isn’t a home without furry kids! In South Africa, you can bring your dog, cat, or other four-legged friend. After all, South Africa is a great place for them to explore—just watch out for the wildlife in rural areas! As expected, this requires extra paperwork, permits, and vaccinations. The South African Government website has a complete list of instructions. If you’re using a relocation company, you can ask your agent about paperwork and logistics. If you’re travelling alone, contact your airline ahead of time to get an estimate of costs and what your pet can expect when flying as cargo.
- Health insurance should be taken care of. If you’re moving abroad, you’ll want to make sure your family has the best healthcare. Moving to South Africa without health insurance is risky. Health insurance gives you access to private healthcare and hospitals instead of the slow, inefficient, and underfunded government system. Talk to your insurer about switching to an international policy that covers South Africa if you have private health insurance at home. You can also buy a new policy before moving, which may cover you during the move.
- Sort out your finances. Moving to South Africa is advantageous due to its low cost of living. Despite this, you’ll still need to watch your finances during your move because costs can add up quickly. As many ex-pats can attest, even the most well-planned move always seems to incur additional fees and costs. Before moving to South Africa, research how to open a bank account, the tax system, and more. You can better plan your long-term finances this way. When applying for financial services, many ex-pats don’t have proof of address.
- Find accommodation. Do you want to live in the hustle and bustle of Cape Town or Johannesburg? Perhaps you’d prefer a more remote location in the beautiful South African scenery? For the first few weeks after moving to South Africa, you may need to find a less ideal home. This is usually the easiest accommodation to find and will give you plenty of time to get used to your new home and decide where to live in South Africa. Some expats’ new South African employers will find them a place to stay before they arrive. But most don’t. Serviced apartments are great for the first few weeks or months. On some online accommodation portals, you can find longer-term holiday lets. This would give you time to plan your next move and decide whether to rent in South Africa.
- Brush up on your language skills. Though most South Africans speak English, learning one of the other local languages will help you build better connections and chat with a wider variety of locals. With eleven languages, you’re spoiled for choice. After moving to South Africa, you’ll notice that most people speak two or more languages. Zulu is one of the most widely spoken languages in the country, but you could also try Afrikaans. If you’re moving to an area where English is a second or third language, taking a language class can help you fit in.
- South African culture is worth experiencing. Ready for your South African adventure? Avoid it! You can start your new life with Rainbow Nation samples before you move. It’s possible. Why not start with some great South African recipes? You can also learn how to grill the perfect braai, a South African staple. Books and movies can help you explore your new home if you don’t like barbecued meat.
IV. Moving to South Africa
Here are the things that you should know on your arrival in South Africa.
- Visitors to South Africa must fill out an online declaration form or a manual Traveller Card to say what they have with them.
- After checking in with Immigration, travellers must get their bags and go to the red or green channel for Customs.
- Narcotic and habit-forming drugs, fully automatic, military, and unnumbered weapons, explosives and fireworks, poison and other toxic substances, cigarettes with a mass of more than 2kg per 1000, goods to which a trade description or trademark is applied in violation of a law, illegal copies of works that are protected by copyright, goods made in a prison or penitentiary, and restricted goods are all things that are not allowed.
- The South African Customs Union (SACU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) allow travellers to bring in things like firearms, gold coins, excess currency, unprocessed minerals, animals, plants, and their products, medicine, herbal products, duty-free allowances, new or used goods in accompanied baggage up to the value of R5,000 per person, and hand-made items for sale.
- Goods bought abroad or in duty-free shops can be taxed at a flat rate, as long as the total value of these extra items doesn’t go over R20,000 per person or R2,000 for crew members.
- Taxes and customs duties are paid for in South African Rand, and travellers must make sure they get a receipt for paying the taxes and duties that apply.
- For Temporary Imports, travellers may have to leave a surety (deposit) to cover any possible duty or tax on goods temporarily brought into South Africa. This deposit is refunded when the goods are taken out of the country.
Video: HOW TO GET TOURIST VISA FOR SOUTH AFRICA | For Filipinos | Visitors Visa Application
These are the only videos available for Filipinos who wanted to know about South Africa. Hoping you will find these helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section will address the most frequently asked questions and answer them one by one.
1. What kind of job opportunities are available in South Africa for Filipinos?
South Africa offers diverse job opportunities for Filipinos, including roles in healthcare, engineering, IT, hospitality, education, and construction. Some popular positions include nurses, teachers, software developers, and hotel staff.
2. Is a work visa required for Filipinos to work in South Africa?
Yes, Filipinos need a valid work visa to work legally in South Africa. There are different types of work visas, such as the General Work Visa, Critical Skills Work Visa, and Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa. Ensure you apply for the appropriate visa based on your job offer and qualification.
3. How do I search for job openings in South Africa?
You can search for job openings through various online platforms such as job search websites, company career pages, and social media networks like LinkedIn. Additionally, you may consult recruitment agencies or enlist the help of personal connections in South Africa.
4. What is the typical job application process in South Africa?
The job application process typically involves submitting a CV, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or documents. If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview, which could be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video call.
5. What should I include in my South African CV?
Your South African CV should include your details, education, work experience, skills, and references. It is essential to tailor your CV to the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting relevant experience and skills.
6. Are there any language requirements for working in South Africa?
English is the primary language of business in South Africa. However, knowing one or more of the other 10 official languages could be a plus, depending on the job and location. Proficiency in English is generally a requirement for most positions.
7. What is the average salary for Filipinos working in South Africa?
The average salary varies depending on the job, industry, and level of experience. It is essential to research the market rate for the specific role you are applying for and negotiate your salary accordingly.
8. What are the working conditions like in South Africa?
Working conditions vary based on the job and industry. Generally, employees in South Africa work a 40–45-hour week from Monday to Friday. Companies are required to comply with labour laws, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.
9. How can I ensure my safety while living and working in South Africa?
While South Africa has a high crime rate, you can take precautions to ensure your safety. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid high-risk areas, and secure your living space. Connect with the Filipino community in South Africa for support and guidance.
10. Are there any specific cultural norms I should be aware of when working in South Africa?
South Africa is a diverse country with various cultural norms. It is respectful to be punctual, dress professionally, and address people by their professional titles. Building relationships and networking are crucial in the South African business environment. Be open to learning about the local culture to integrate well into the workplace.
Summary
Job seekers wanting to work in South Africa can use online platforms, newspapers, and networking to find jobs. It is very important to tailor CVs and cover letters to each job. Job prospects can be improved by getting ready for interviews, showing off skills, and using connections. To get a job in today’s competitive job market, you need to be persistent and flexible.
References
https://www.savisas.com/work-visa-south-africa/
https://www.expatica.com/za/moving/relocation/moving-to-south-africa-101788/
https://www.sars.gov.za/customs-and-excise/travellers/arrival-in-sa/