Most valuable tech skills in South Africa

The Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) critical skills list shows that several technology-related jobs are in high demand in South Africa.

The list highlights the professions that qualify for South African critical skills work visas, making it a crucial resource for local businesses.

Such visas are only issued to individuals with skills or qualifications deemed critical for the country.

Former minister Aaron Motsoaledi recently announced changes to South Africa’s work visa system, including the critical skills list.

President Cyril Ramaphosa mentioned the reforms during his 2023 State of the Nation Addresses.

“Having completed a comprehensive review of the work visa system, we will move quickly to implement the recommendations put forward,” said Ramaphosa.

“These include establishing a more flexible points-based system to attract skilled immigration, implementing a trusted employer scheme to make the visa process easier for large investors and streamlining application requirements.”

Motsoaledi gazetted the amendments to the regulations in May 2024.

Companies can now also expedite the gazetting process for critical skills that are seen as essential, removing the four-year waiting period that was previously in effect.

This should facilitate swift approval for in-demand skills. The new regulations also effectively replace the critical skills list with a new points-based system.

It is designed to eliminate the need to require a letter from the Department of Labour for General Work visas.

The points system is based on factors including age, qualifications, and work experience to determine visa eligibility.

Motosaledi’s department also introduced a new work-related visa designed for individuals who want to work in South Africa while under foreign employment.

The Remote Work visa targets high-earning individuals with the hope of stimulating the economy.

South Africa has been losing large numbers of skilled professionals to emigration, making it critical to attract individuals with specific skills to the country.

Ramaphosa alluded to this during his 2024 State of the Nation address and acknowledged the introduction of the reformed visa system.

“Just this week, we published new regulations to reform our visa system, which will make it easier to attract the skills that our economy needs and create a dynamic ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Ramaphosa.

The skills on the DHA’s list relate primarily to specialist medical and health professionals. However, it includes several tech qualifications, including electronic engineering technologist and engineering management skills.

Critical technology skills

Most critical skills in the published list require a bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma as a minimum requirement, with only one requiring an intermediate certificate.

A summary of the critical tech skills list is provided in the table below.