In our monthly Immigration News from Africa, we update you on important changes in African Immigration. This edition covers news in the following countries: South Africa Kenya South Africa Reopening of Trusted Employer Scheme Applications The Department of Home Affairs has announced that it will reopen the Trusted Employer Scheme for applications from corporations starting at the end of May 2024. This scheme has previously provided accepted companies with faster visa processing times, increased efficiency in appeals and waivers, streamlined visa procedures, the removal of certain visa stipul ..read more

Introduction With the election heating up, and preparation for a new financial year, the South African Minister of Home Affairs surprised us with a rushed publication of amendments to the immigration regulations and an even quicker withdrawal of the same regulations! A new White Paper was also published with some questionable immigration suggestions. This has been quite a busy 2 months for the DHA, considering the general election just around the corner – a topic I’ll go into further detail on in this letter. Further up the African continent, Kenya added another nail into their foreign investm ..read more

Introduction The Government of Kenya, on November 7, 2023, announced increased charges for immigration and citizen services, prompting significant public feedback. Subsequently, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration repealed the initial notice to incorporate public input, which was gathered from November 14, 2023, to December 5, 2023. The revised charges were initially set to take effect on January 1, 2024, but were delayed. Changes Implemented On April 8, the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services formally implemented these revised fees through eFNS. Th ..read more

Introduction As of April 1, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania are set to partially join the Schengen Area, marking a significant shift in European travel and border policies. Bulgaria and Romania, members of the European Union since 2007, have been aspiring to join the Schengen Area for over a decade. The Schengen Area facilitates passport-free travel across most of Europe, promoting ease of movement and economic integration. The Partial Inclusion Effective April 1, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen Area partially, eliminating border checks for air and sea travel with other Schengen countr ..read more

Introduction Apprenticeships, known as “Ausbildung” in Germany, are a popular and well-established pathway for individuals to acquire practical skills and training in a specific trade or profession whilst studying at the same time. Known as dual studies, these vocational apprenticeships are very attractive sources of both practical and theoretical knowledge of one’s dream profession and a decent source of income on the side. In this article, we’ll discuss the dual education system, and provide some insight into how to go about making it work for you. Apprenticeship Programme Germany’s dual edu ..read more

Introduction Germany is facing a severe skills shortage, meaning that companies are struggling to fill open positions, due to the high demand for skilled workers. Germany has created several pathways over the years for those looking for work, and the job seeker visa is one of those pathways. This article is going to instruct you on finding a job through the job seeker visa and obtaining a full-on work visa for Germany. Work Visa vs Job Seeker Visa As is somewhat self-explanatory, there are differences between the job seeker visa and the work visa in Germany. Job Seeker visas are for those look ..read more

Introduction The EU Blue Card is reserved for highly skilled professionals in their chosen field, and while the process and requirements may differ slightly from country to country, the consensus surrounding documentation is quite similar. This article will serve as a general guide for what is required for those looking to live and work in Germany on a Blue Card and provide insight into just how long a process like that takes. General Requirements Typically, the standard requirement for a European Blue Card is such that one is either highly qualified or highly practised in their field of work ..read more

Introduction Every international work permit requires a certain number of generalised documentation before one can apply. In general, having things like visas and passports are standard, but there are also more specific items and documents that you will have to procure and provide to immigration authorities whilst applying for a work permit. This article is going to serve as a checklist for the German work visa and show the general and more specific items and documents you will need for your application. Click here to access our comprehensive Document Checklist General Document Checklist The g ..read more

Introduction One of the most important things for many professionals looking to relocate to another country for work is whether or not they can bring their family with them. This article will act as a brief guide on what constitutes a dependent, and how to bring them with you when moving to Germany to work. What is a Dependent When someone receives a visa to live and work in another part of the world, one of the very first questions they ask is “Can I bring my family with me?”, to which the answer is almost always yes. Spouses and children of visa holders are known as dependents. In Germany, t ..read more

Introduction Moving to a brand new country can be daunting for many, but there are certain things you can do to make sure your process is as safe and as streamlined as can be. This article will serve as a guide to your first few weeks in Germany, and hopefully provide some insight into how to integrate effectively into your new home. Luggage and Entry Process First things first, make sure you have your passport at the ready. It must be valid and you must ensure that your visa is correct and allows you entry. One of the most important things upon arriving in Germany with all your valid document ..read more