Disclaimer: The information in this blog is accurate as of its publication date. Any updates after that date are not reflected here.
Significant developments came into force on 6 April 2021 in the UK immigration and visa services, following the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules published on 4 March 2021. A few additions in the health and care sector in the UK announced, which will enable South African citizens to have higher prospects in securing a job opportunity.
The UK has been offering many job opportunities to South African citizens building on a mutual benefit for many years now. There are almost 225,000 South African citizens working in the UK currently, which is likely to increase after the latest additions in the Shortage Occupations List.
South African citizens can apply through the Skilled Worker visa to enter and work in the UK after securing employment with a Home Office approved employer. The Home Office will evaluate the qualified professionals based on the new points-based system introduced in December 2020.
Read More – South Africans To Apply For A UK Visa
Here is the updated list of 8 new job roles in the health and medical care sector:
- Health services and public health managers and directors (SOC code: 1181)
- Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors (SOC code: 1242)
- Pharmacists (SOC code: 2213)
- Health professionals not elsewhere classified (SOC code:2219)
- Physiotherapists (SOC code:2221)
- Laboratory technicians (SOC code:3111)
- Nursing auxiliaries and assistants (SOC code: 6141)
- Senior care workers (SOC code: 6146)
Table of Contents
What is a shortage occupation list?
The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) is a feature of the existing Skilled Worker route. It lists occupations whether employers face a shortage of suitable labour, and it is sensible to fill those shortages with migrant workers.
The occupations on the list are given some special provisions (e.g. exempt from having to meet a higher salary threshold, lower visa fees) within the Immigration Rules designed to make it easier for employers to hire migrant workers in those areas of identified shortage.
The Government periodically commissions the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to recommend which occupations should be placed on the Shortage Occupation List; however, the ultimate decision regarding any changes remains with the Government.
The Shortage Occupation List includes many other categories of jobs for a Skilled Worker route. A comprehensive list is of the jobs can be found here.
Skilled worker visa
The Skilled Worker Visa route allows an applicant to live in the United Kingdom while working in a job of the appropriate skill level with an approved employer.
The South Africans have been increasingly seeking opportunities in the UK to work, and the UK has been offering more opportunities to them in return. Recently, with eight new job roles adding to the already existing skilled occupation list, a significant gap is expected to get filled.
Eligibility requirements
An applicant will need a minimum of 70 points to qualify for the Skilled Worker route as below.
- Mandatory 50 points attributed to all skilled migrants which are as follows:
- English speaking at the required level – 10 points
- Job offer from an approved sponsor – 20 points
- Relevant skill level for the applied job – 20 points
- Tradeable salary points
- Salary of £20,480 to £23,039. Have to meet at least 80% of the minimum salary requirements for the respective profession (whichever is higher) – 0 points
- Salary of £23,040 to £25,599. Have to meet at least 90% of the minimum salary requirement for the respective profession (whichever is higher) – 10 points
- Salary of £25,600 or above. Have to meet at least the minimum requirement for the respective profession (whichever is higher) – 20 points
- Other tradeable points
- Have a job in a shortage occupation – 20 points
- Education qualification
- PhD in a subject related to the current job – 10 points
- PhD in a STEM subject associated with the current position – 20 points
- Have a job listed in a health or education occupation/ new entrant in the labour market, and the applicant’s salary equals or exceeds both £20,480 per year and the going rate for SOC code – 20 points
How long can I stay?
The Skilled Worker Visa can be valid for up to 5 years. Before the expiring visa date, an applicant can apply to extend their visa.
It is also beneficial to note that once the overseas skilled worker has lived in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years, they could be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK and eventually British citizenship.
Application process?
An applicant can apply for the Skilled Worker visa up to 3 months before the day they are due to start work in the UK (as confirmed in the Certificate of Sponsorship).
The application form is available online on the gov. uk. Different forms are available depending on whether the applicant is applying from overseas or switching to the Skilled Worker Visa from within the UK.
After the online application has been submitted, the applicant must book an appointment at a UK Visa Application centre to prove their identity and provide relevant documents.
An applicant is expected to receive a decision about a Skilled Worker Visa within three weeks of confirming his identity if the application was submitted from overseas or within eight weeks if the application was submitted within the UK.
How much does it cost?
An applicant should consider all the cost associated with the Skilled Worker visa. These include:
- The application fee varies depending on the job they are applying for and how long they will be in the UK.
- Immigration Healthcare Surcharge, usually £624 per year
- Money available to support themselves when they arrive in the UK – prove that they have at least £1,270 in their bank account that has been available for at least 28 days in a row
- Application fees for any dependents – the applicant will need to pay the same applications fees for each dependent they intend to bring to the UK.
Application fees
The current applications fees are as follows:
- Applications from outside the UK: £610 for a stay of up to 3 years and £1,220 for a stay of more than three years
- Applications from inside the UK – £704 for a stay of up to 3 years and £1,408 for a stay of more than three years
- Applications for jobs under the Shortage Occupation List – £464 for a stay of up to 3 years and £928 for a stay of more than three years
Document Checklist
- Certificate of sponsorship from the UK employer
- Proof of knowledge of the English language
- A valid passport or other documents that shows the applicant’s identity and nationality
- Bank statements evidencing available savings
- Proof of your relationship with any dependents (if they are applying with the applicant)
- Criminal record if this I required for the position
- Tuberculosis medical certificate (if applicable)
Conclusion
The UK market is offering lucrative job opportunities like never before. The newly introduced Shortage Occupation jobs are set to fill the gaps in the health sector owing to the current world crisis. South African citizens can take this opportunity to move to the UK and become a contributing force to the world’s 5th economy and savour better lifestyle, work, stay and higher education opportunities for their dependants.
