There has been a major increase in skilled professionals leaving the country as South Africa faces continued uncertainty.
Speaking to eNCA, Sable International’s Andrew Rissik said that people are leaving for many reasons – with two of the biggest reasons being economic uncertainty and crime.
“We are looking at around 25,000 skilled people leaving South Africa each year, with around 1,000 – 2,000 of these people also being very wealthy people who are able to buy their way into other countries.
“These are potentially very high-quality taxpayers that South Africa is losing,” said Rissik.
This averages out to around 68 skilled people, and between two and five ultra-wealthy South Africans, leaving the country every day.
“What we see is that a lot of people with young children tend to start getting pulled back to South Africa because of family links.
“Although we have seen this (trend) slow compared to the past decade because of the economic situation in South Africa as we know it – it’s really pretty negative at the moment.”
Rissik added that as long as these ‘push factors’ are present, people will continue to leave.
Popular destinations
The Department of Home Affairs does not keep record of South Africans who emigrate permanently; however, receiver countries do keep track of immigrants, which gives an indication of how many people are actually leaving.
This data shows that the UK is still the most popular choice for South African immigrants, while a growing number are also choosing to settle in Australia and New Zealand.
- New Zealand: The latest data from Stats NZ shows that there has been a sharp rise in South African migrants, with 8,200 people moving to the country between April 2018 and April 2019;
- Australia: The latest immigration data from Australia shows that a total of 5,397 South Africans moved in 2016/17 time period and 2,907 South Africans over the 2017/2018 period;
- UK: At the beginning of January, statistics provided to City Press by UK’s Office for National Statistics showed that approximately 7,300 people emigrated from South Africa to the UK in 2017
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: Ross Parmly [1], [2].
Tourist Safety Tips for South Africa
South Africa is a country filled with natural beauty, cultural diversity, and interesting history. As a result , it is popular tourist destination.
While South Africa may be stable politically, compared to some other African countries, it does have a relatively high level of crime, especially in certain areas. Control Risks Group Limited recently released statistics for kidnapping around the globe, and Southern Africa is certainly not free from these incidents. Before you visit, it is a good idea to take a look at your government’s travel advisory notices online (if there are any), so that you know what to avoid.
It is important to be cautious, and remember the general safety tips that are given to many visitors (and locals). We’ve included some below for you.
We have included some travel advisory pages for a number of countries below.
So long as you keep these tips in mind, South Africa will offer you a unique, enriching experience. The country has a rich history, and many famous attractions to visit, as well as a diverse culture in which to participate while you are here.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: Jacques Nel [1], [2].
How Many Skilled Professionals Are Leaving South Africa Every Day?
There has been a major increase in skilled professionals leaving the country as South Africa faces continued uncertainty.
Speaking to eNCA, Sable International’s Andrew Rissik said that people are leaving for many reasons – with two of the biggest reasons being economic uncertainty and crime.
“We are looking at around 25,000 skilled people leaving South Africa each year, with around 1,000 – 2,000 of these people also being very wealthy people who are able to buy their way into other countries.
“These are potentially very high-quality taxpayers that South Africa is losing,” said Rissik.
This averages out to around 68 skilled people, and between two and five ultra-wealthy South Africans, leaving the country every day.
“What we see is that a lot of people with young children tend to start getting pulled back to South Africa because of family links.
“Although we have seen this (trend) slow compared to the past decade because of the economic situation in South Africa as we know it – it’s really pretty negative at the moment.”
Rissik added that as long as these ‘push factors’ are present, people will continue to leave.
Popular destinations
The Department of Home Affairs does not keep record of South Africans who emigrate permanently; however, receiver countries do keep track of immigrants, which gives an indication of how many people are actually leaving.
This data shows that the UK is still the most popular choice for South African immigrants, while a growing number are also choosing to settle in Australia and New Zealand.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: Ross Parmly [1], [2].
South African Airways is Changing Certain African Flight Routes and Reissuing Tickets
The below is a media statement released by South African Airways.
South African Airways is further strengthening its presence in Ghana by increasing weekly frequencies from 9 to 10 flights between Johannesburg and Accra, and by launching a daily service between Accra and Washington DC, with effect from 5th September 2019.
South African Airways regrets the inconvenience that this strategic decision may have on our customers and would ensure that those customers that already hold tickets for the affected flights are re-accommodated.
Ticketed SAA customers travelling between Johannesburg and Washington D.C. via Dakar (Blaise Diagne International) will be re-routed through one of the following options:
From Johannesburg (JNB) to Abidjan (ABJ) on flight SA 056 and from Abidjan (ABJ) to Dakar (DSS), on either Air Côte d’Ivoire (HF), Kenya Airways (KQ) or RwandAir (WB)
From Dakar (DSS) to Abidjan (ABJ), on either Air Côte d’Ivoire (HF), Kenya Airways (KQ) or RwandAir (WB) and connecting onto flight SA 057 from Abidjan (ABJ) to Johannesburg (JNB)
SAA will rebook affected passengers holding tickets as mentioned in points 1, 2 and 3 and the following rebooking conditions will apply:
Customers are encouraged to contact your Travel Agent, any SAA Office or our Contact Centres for assistance with flight changes.
The South African (Johannesburg) assistance line is 0861 606 606, and the US assistance line (Fort Lauderdale) is 1 (800) 722 9675.
To read the full media statement, click here.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: Adrian Pingstone [1], [2].
We Will be Attending Worldwide ERC’s Global Workforce Symposium 2019 in Boston This October
Our Director, Rene Stegmann, will be representing Relocation Africa at Worldwide ERC’s Global Workforce Symposium 2019 in Boston this October.
Taking place at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA, October 16 – 18, the Symposium provides an opportunity for those in the mobility industry to come together to network, and share global perspectives.
The Symposium has over 1,800 registrants from over 50 countries, and has talks scheduled for all 3 days.
To select a time to meet with Rene at the event, click here.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], Osman Rana [2].