Standard Bank held a virtual conversation for its clients with Marisa Jacobs (Managing Director of Xpatweb) and Michelle Munemo (Head of International Diaspora Clients at Standard Bank of South Africa) earlier in May on the topic of “Navigating South Africa’s Immigration Landscape”. The session covered the following topics: Available options if you are waiting for an outcome from the Department of Home Affairs; The implications of the extension issued by the Department of Home Affairs on pending applications; and An update on Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP). Michelle acknowledged that immigration matters can be challenging and involved, and this is why Standard Bank has partnered with Xpatweb to assist its clients to deal with such matters. The hot topic of discussion remained the ZEP system and the uncertainty on the way forward, alongside the visa concession and clarifying who indeed qualifies for it.
Will President Cyril Ramaphosa’s SoNA announcement on reforms to attract foreign talent really benefit South African critical skills employers? “We certainly welcome these initiatives as a win for organisations that are desperate to acquire scarce skills that are not available locally,” says Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb.
In the midst of growing international restrictions on foreign property investors, South Africa remains a welcoming haven to these buyers. "Foreign investors can enjoy greater freedom to purchase a wider range of properties in South Africa with fewer and lower investment requirements," says Victoria Lancefield, Director of Expatriate Tax and Banking Engagement at Tax Consulting South Africa.