Thousands of South Africans are moving abroad, with the UK, Australia, and New Zealand being popular destinations.

In 2018, for example, the UK government granted 45,000 work permits to South Africans. Statistics from BusinessTech also show that over 5,500 South Africans moved to New Zealand during 2018.

The reasons for moving abroad are numerous, and include the high rate of crime in South Africa, high unemployment, collapsing public services, and a failing government.

The opportunity to expand their career and earn more money are other key drivers for South Africans going overseas.

UK popularity

As stated, the UK is a popular destination for South Africans and there is a large expat community in the country.

Pew Research has estimated that at the end of 2017, there were 210,000 South African migrants in the UK.

An easy way for an individual to move to the UK is through work – either by a company transfer or after finding a job with a UK-based employer.

IT jobs in the UK

For IT professionals looking to move to the UK, the country’s occupation shortage list identifies several IT positions which need skilled labour.

The lack of skilled professionals in these positions make it easier for individuals outside of the UK to apply for a job and successfully obtain a work visa.

IT positions which are currently on the list are detailed below.

IT specialist managers

IT product manager employed by a qualifying company, where the job requires a person with a minimum of five years’ relevant experience and demonstrable experience of having led a team.

IT business analysts, architects and systems designers

Systems engineer in visual effects and 2D/3D computer animation for the film, television, or video games sectors.

Data scientist employed by a qualifying company, where the job requires a person with a minimum of five years’ relevant experience and demonstrable experience of having led a team.

Programmers and software development professionals

Senior developer employed by a qualifying company, where the job requires a person with a minimum of five years’ relevant experience and demonstrable experience of having led a team.

The following jobs in visual effects and 2D/3D computer animation for the film, television or video games sectors: Software developer Shader writer Games designer

The following jobs in the electronics system industry: Driver developer Embedded communications engineer



Information technology and communications professionals

Cyber security specialist employed by a qualifying company, where the job requires a person with a minimum of five years’ relevant experience and demonstrable experience of having led a team.

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