Foreign students could graduate with Permanent Residence
Much need skills for South Africa
A radical statement by Malusi Gigaba related to international and foreign students who are pursuing degrees in South Africa could mean that they will qualify for permanent residence on completion of their studies.
The first of these initiatives … is a special exemption to allow graduate international students in critical skills areas to qualify for permanent residence permits upon graduation.
Naturally, South Africa is short skilled, as is the rest of the world, and incentives such as these are far and few between in the Immigration Act of the country. This change, once implemented, should encourage students to apply for South African universities in fields such as engineering and IT, where afterwards those graduating will have a much better chance of obtaining employment within the local working environment.
Permanent residence for certain students in South Africa
Minister Gigaba said:
“International students constitute a key segment which is prioritized by governments globally, because of the economic and social benefits they offer host countries in terms of adding to the skills base, and contributing positively to society more broadly.
