The temporary pause that COVID-19 brought about in the travel industry is slowly coming to an end and international moves are seemingly more popular than ever.
South Africans are eagerly seeking opportunities to work and live in foreign countries, with the promise of safety, a better quality of life, and lucrative business and work opportunities overseas attracting talent from down south.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the countries that South Africans are heading to just as soon as they can. We’ll also touch on the different ways of immigrating and how to plan a relocation when moving house overseas.
Where Saffas are heading post-Covid
South African migrants have traditionally favoured moving to Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada where the widespread use of English has allowed them to settle in and establish careers and businesses with ease.
Over the years, however, these destinations have become extremely popular with people relocating from many parts of the world. As a result, it’s becoming more difficult to qualify for residency or even a work visa unless you’re a highly-skilled professional or a high-net-worth investor.
In response to stricter immigration requirements, South Africans are looking further afield and moving to America, countries in Asia and Eastern Europe and even neighbouring African nations.
The following nations are extremely popular with South African migrants and are expected to be so for the foreseeable future.
The old favourites
- Canada
- The UK
- Australia and New Zealand
- EU member states
New destinations gaining popularity
- Singapore
- Dubai
- Japan
- Korea
- Czech Republic
- Georgia
- Grenada and other Caribbean islands
- Mauritius
Each of these locations has its own unique benefits in the way of lifestyle perks and career opportunities. They also differ in terms of the immigration programs and ease of entry they offer to prospective migrants from South Africa.
Making the move to moving overseas
If you’ve been considering immigration and are ready to explore the opportunities that await you overseas, now could be the best time to start planning your move.
A crucial first step in the process is deciding what type of visa or immigration program you’d like to apply for to move to your country of choice.
Investor visas
- If you’re a high net worth individual with upwards of $50 000 to invest, you may qualify for this type of visa. Application times vary between 3 months and 2 years depending on the country.
- In addition to having the required funds, you’ll probably need a business plan and management experience if you plan to invest in a business and not simply buy a property in your destination country.
Work visas
- These are generally faster to apply for, but you’ll need a firm job offer before you start the process.
- You’ll typically need less money to secure your visa and will as long as you have a relocation fund to cover your initial expenses.
Moving house overseas? We’re here to help
International moves are one of the many professional relocation services that Key Moves is proud to provide for our clients across South Africa. Our experienced and expert consultants are well versed in all aspects of moving overseas and will be able to offer you cost effective solutions.
With over 10 years in the furniture removal industry and International accreditation, our experts will guide you all the way with things like customs clearance, storage, packing and unpacking.
Move your life anywhere in the world with Key Moves. Get your free moving quote today and you’ll be well on the path to successful immigration.