South Africa has introduced significant changes to its immigration regulations, making the requirements clearer for the remote work visa. Whether you’re looking to work remotely, apply for a work visa, or join your family, these updates are designed to simplify the process and open new opportunities.

Here’s a simplified overview of the key updates:

Regulation 11: Work for Foreign Employers on a Remote Basis
Previous Regulation:

• No regulation about a foreign employer on a remote basis.

Updated Regulation:

Work for a foreign employer on a remote basis, provided that:

• The foreigner earns no less than R1,000,000.00 per annum.
• If the visa is for up to 6 months within a 12-month period, no need to register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
• If the visa is for more than 6 months within a 12-month period, the foreigner must register with SARS.

Regulation 18: Points-Based System for Work Visas
Previous Regulation:

• No points-based system.

Updated Regulation:

• Work visa applications must use a points-based system as determined by the Minister.

The points-based system may consider:

•  Age
•  Qualifications
•  Language skills
•  Work experience
•  Job offer
•  Ability to adapt within South Africa
•  Salary
•  Any other relevant factor

Regulation 9: Exceptional Circumstances for Visitor’s Visa
Previous Regulation:

Exceptional circumstances include:

• Emergency life-saving medical treatment for over three months.
• Accompanying spouse or child of a business or work visa holder applying for study or work visa.

Updated Regulation:

Additional exceptional circumstances include:

• Spouse or child of a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Parent of a citizen or permanent resident child.

Police Clearance Certificate Requirements
Previous Definition:

• Certificate issued by police/security authority in countries where the applicant lived for 12 months or longer after turning 18, not older than six months, not required for visa renewal from a foreign country.

Updated Definition:

• Certificate issued for countries where the applicant lived for 12 months or longer in the five years before the application, not older than six months.
• For visa renewals or extensions, such a certificate must be issued by the police/security authority of South Africa.

Regulation 20: Registration with Professional Bodies
Previous Requirement:

• Certificate of registration with a professional body recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Updated Requirement:

• Proof of registration with a professional body recognised by SAQA.
• If registration is required by law, provide:
• Proof of application for a certificate of registration (corporate visa may be issued for up to 12 months).
• Proof of a certificate of registration (corporate visa issued as per sub regulation (8)(a)).

Second Amendment of Immigration Regulations

• Introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa.
• Formalisation of rules for visitor visas for spouses, parents, and children of South African nationals or permanent residents.
• Modifications to guidance on certificates of registration.
• Formalisation of police clearance documentation requirements.
• Introduction of a points-based system for assessing work visas.

These exciting updates aim to streamline the immigration process, ensuring compliance with local laws and accommodating the evolving nature of work and family dynamics.