WeeklySA_AdminDIRE: Job categories list comes into effect today
By Thuli Zungu
The Department of Home Affairs has finalised the new critical skills list, which came into effect today, to identify occupations in critical industries in dire need of skilled workers.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi published the 2021 list for comment early this year, adding that it was last updated in 2014.
The occupations must have met three following requirements for inclusion on the critical skills list:
• It must be in acute shortage or likely to be in the future, due to its importance for South Africa’s strategic priorities
• It must require high-level skills or advanced qualification and a long lead time to develop a domestic pipeline.
“This saw occupations such as university lecturer, general accountant, company secretary, management consultant, investment manager, fraud examiner, digital artist, chef, and carpenter included in the critical skills list for the first time,” he said.
The Department of Home Affairs indicated that, following the final tabling of a new list to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), a body representing government, labour and business in South Africa, the Department of Higher Education & Training, the finalised new list which was handed over the Minister of the Department of Home Affairs on August 27 for final consideration and approval.
The new list was published in the Government Gazette at the end of September. Eligible applicants with appropriate skills, qualifications and post-qualification experience falling within the parameters of one or more of the critical skills categories may apply for a Critical Skills Work Visa, subject to meeting the application’s requirements. The Critical Skills List reflects skillsets that are deemed critical for South Africa and its economy.
