Moving to and from South Africa
Moving abroad can take a lot of getting used to and if you are moving to a country with a new culture, language and cuisine, you are bound to experience some sort of culture shock, and for South Africans it is no different!
Personal liberty
Coming from South Africa where democracy and the right to personal liberty and freedom has been an on-going battle for many years, you may be surprised to discover that Europeans place less emphasis on personal freedom and democracy and more emphasis on the state’s role to ensure that every citizen is cared for and that no one is in need.
Working hours
One of the reasons that a South African loves to live abroad is that they are regarded as a nation of hard workers who are prepared to work 40 hours a week and even longer if the job demands it. Europeans favour fewer working hours a week and employee-friendly labour laws are in place to ensure that employees enjoy a good work/life balance.
Longer holidays
South Africans are used to 15 days holiday every year, but you will be happy to discover that most European companies can offer up to 25 days holiday and they are actively encouraged to take their vacation time!
When thinking about emigrating or immigrating to South Africa you probably have a lot of questions. Contact us at Elys Relocation we can put you in touch with experts that can help you and put your mind at ease.
Question examples :
- As a SA national even if I have a dual citizenship and an EU passport will I be able to stay in the UK after Brexit?
- How much money can I take out of SA to fund my new expat life?
- How do Exchange controls affect me?
- Does financial emigration change my status as a South African and what are the benefits?
- Am I able to immigrate to South Africa, and if so what visa will I need?
What You Must Know Before Travelling to Work Abroad
- Ensure the job offer is genuine
Check to see that the recruitment agency is registered with the local Chamber of Commerce and, if possible, contact the company offering the job on a landline to confirm that they are recruiting, and that the conditions of employment are those promised by the recruitment agency.
- Obtain the correct working permit for the country of destination
Ensure that you are travelling with the correct and legal documentation to work in the country of destination. Most countries will require you to apply for a working visa if you intend to work in the country.
- Sign a contract before you leave home
The contract should be in a language you can read, and stipulate your wages and deductions, your duties, working hours and breaks, benefits, leave and procedures for resignation or termination.
- Have contacts for people/organisations that can provide assistance
Before leaving home, make sure you have the contact details for your country's Embassy or High Commission or Consulate-General in the country in which you wish to find employment.
- Know your rights as an employee of the country you are going to
Before you work abroad, know your rights, and how to protect them. Be sure to investigate the minimum wages and other conditions of employment in the country to which you're travelling.
- Do not give your passport away to anyone
It is illegal for an employer to ask to hold onto your passport for any reason and you should never agree to do so, regardless of whether this is stipulated in an employment contract.
- Make contact
Once you have arrived in your country of destination, contact your local embassy and report that you are in the country. Also contact friends and family at home and let them know that you are safe and give them your contact details.
Five documents you will need to travel abroad
- A combination of your South African passport and RSA identity document are the best proof of your South African citizenship. Anyone who intends travelling abroad should have a valid passport. If you do not have a passport, apply for it well in advance at all regional offices of the Department of Home Affairs.
- A visa or permit is your permission to travel to, transit or remain in a foreign country. A visa or permit does not, however, guarantee entry into the foreign country, as the decision to grant entry remains the decision of the immigration officials of the foreign country.
- It is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance before travelling abroad. Travel insurance should cover hospitalisation and related medical costs as well as a possible emergency evacuation. Once situated in your chosen country you will be able to access national health care or take Private health cover.
- When living in Europe you will not be able to drive all the time on your South African licence and you will have to surrender this and apply for a European licence. There are many companies that can help with this at a very little cost.
- ROSA - ‘Registration of South Africans Abroad’. South African citizens are invited to register personal details and travel itineraries with the Department of International Relations and Co-operation before travelling abroad.