#ImLeaving - Relocation Advice?

["D"]

How exactly are you planning to escape SA while international and local borders remain closed possibly for many more months if not longer ?

Well, it's ridiculously easy to accomplish that.
You see, 20% of all Ireland's milk production is used solely to produce Bailey's, and now that their dairy farms have aged like milk due to Cowvid-19 they are importing milk from the lands of milk and honey.
All that OP needs to do is to step on board one of the tanker ships bound for Ireland with his doctor-labcoat and PPE-gear. And in that manner -- especially if he remembers to bring his clipboard -- he will reach Ireland ports without a spot of bother.
In addition to that, he will have a free tour of the Bailey's megafactory upon arrival. What a memorable introduction to Ireland that would be! And one day, the ginger grandkids at the breakfast table are going to love grandpa's story of his voyages, as they top up their breakfast bowls with more Bailey's and potato mash ...

 

[WalkWithMe]

1. Moving fee is upto the new employee and is not a right. Many businesses offer this especially to attract skilled workers.
2. Chances are you will be in quarantine for 14 days after arrival.
3. I assume your status in life, I doubt you have cheap furniture and so taking it may be better than replacing with respective quality. Again the place you move into will likely be smaller - so will the furniture fit? Might be worth leaving in storage or something first to decide what you want?
4. Getting out of the country - is not cheap either but is possible if you have a Visa and your flight selection is extremely limited.

 

[bro-da]

My uncle flew out two weeks ago - he was able to do that because he's a citizen and they booked him a "repatriation flight" If you're not a citizen methinks it will very very tricky and costly. The repatriation flight was 25K as it is.

to add to this - a colleague of mine who had a work visa approved for the Netherlands was also eligible for a repatriation flight under lock down level 4.

 

[John Tempus]

My uncle flew out two weeks ago - he was able to do that because he's a citizen and they booked him a "repatriation flight" If you're not a citizen methinks it will very very tricky and costly. The repatriation flight was 25K as it is.

Yep, Im aware of repatriation flights and even then you are lucky if you catch one to your destination. For regular plebs who havn't gone through the citizenship process I have no clue how anyone manage to get by the international border lock down.

 

[irBosOtter]

How exactly are you planning to escape SA while international and local borders remain closed possibly for many more months if not longer ?

What makes you think that international travel is not allowed? You can basically go where you want if you pay the prices

 

[Drifter]

It's "business" travel. so he shouldnt have issues. Getting a flight, whole different story.

 

[gseptember69]

It's "business" travel. so he shouldnt have issues. Getting a flight, whole different story.

I never read the whole thread and don't know if this has been mentioned but most places in Dublin come fully furnished

 

[John Tempus]

What makes you think that international travel is not allowed? You can basically go where you want if you pay the prices

Excuse me, I was referring to legal travel not bribing someone.

Legal international travel is only allowed if you can prove it is an emergency or governmental or serious business related where the company cannot function without you(this includes proving that you cannot do the work remotely during border closure) so good luck providing enough evidence and then waiting for approval on the latter.

 

[R13...]

How exactly are you planning to escape SA while international and local borders remain closed possibly for many more months if not longer ?

You can leave the country legally to go to a job. How do you think all those people working abroad and had to return here when lockdowns forced them out went back out?

Some South Africans can now fly overseas – what you need to know

You have to get clearance from the department of home affairs first.

www.businessinsider.co.za

.

 

[Gaz{M}]

Man I'm jealous of people like you who have the guts to go through emigration. I'm strongly considering it, and now that my wife is keen to, it is probably a good idea. I'm just lazy and would rather pay someone to do all the admin and find us jobs too.

That said, if we did leave, we wouldn't take furniture or big items. Have you seen the size of houses there?? Our stuff wouldn't fit.

Good luck.

 

[JayM]

Yep, Im aware of repatriation flights and even then you are lucky if you catch one to your destination. For regular plebs who havn't gone through the citizenship process I have no clue how anyone manage to get by the international border lock down.

Friends of mine moved to Canada last week with just a work visa. So to some countries it's definitely not an issue.

 

[^^vampire^^]

Unless the furniture is sentimental don't bother. Didn't bring mine when I moved and used what it would have cost to move to buy new after I moved over. Also keep in mind that many countries already have most professionals they need so getting a sponsored visa is a luxury so don't push your luck too much.

Also, do research on furniture sizes if you do take your SA stuff. Pillow and bed sizes in Aus are different making buying sheets etc a problem. Either consider changing plugs on appliances or getting adaptors if bringing appliances across, although I wholey think bringing anything besides clothes and sentimental items is a waste.

 

[TEXTILE GUY]

Dunno about Australia or the EU or UK - but I will tell you - from my perspective .....

Leaving SA takes some testiculos grandes ...... its a big step, regardless of what people say.
Even bigger when you know nobody on the other side, and Saffers are few and far between.
The COVID and one particular chap who I shan't mention, have somewhat derailed our long term plans for immigration - who knows what may happen next? Its tough.

The culture on the other side is a bit different.
The food is different.
You dont have too many mates.
Its a fresh start, currency is different.
And, theres an old saying, jealousy makes you nasty ...... well theres always a few in the old SA crowd that pull a wise crack or have a go - just this morning I had a smart ass comment directed at me on a mybb thread. I think the chap got caught by his mom with hairy palms .... who knows? I wished him well, hit ignore and moved along.

Folks in your new host country may treat you like a Nigerian (well you are the outsider) ..... just take it on the chin. Others will show extreme kindness and empathy ..... its heart warming.
At work, you have to work a bit harder than the rest, and be on your best behaviour.
Respect their traditions, their beliefs and their way of life.
Chances are, you got there based on a skill you have - and in my case, I am expected to perform - always. You gotta love what you do or it becomes an extra burden.

You are a guest in a foreign country. You put you there - if you want to complain, find a mirror.
Sometimes it gives me pause - I think about the Zimbabweans and Malawians in SA ......... I think of them more sympathetically now.

On the other hand, its fun to explore ...... and see new things, new experiences.
Share these with those who are interested - ignore the Karens - they come outta the woodwork.
Its a new beginning, and sometimes I think, a million people would (secretly) love to be in my shoes, but are too cool or too dikbek to admit it. I hope I dont mess it all up either. There are no guarantees.

But the one thing for sure - whatever you expect to happen, prolly will be very different in reality.

It all starts with a choice that only YOU can make, screw what everyone else thinks - its YOUR life, live it.