New data has surfaced, sounding a cautionary note about South Africa’s escalating drain of professional skills. CareerJunction’s latest employment insights report for December 2023 reveals a growing willingness among highly experienced and qualified professionals to relocate beyond the nation’s borders. In this post, we take a look at South Africans working abroad and the growing number of professionals emigrating to join the global workforce outside of the republic.
Recruitment stats on South Africans working abroad
Based on data collected from 5,000 of the country’s prominent recruiters, agencies, and employers using the CareerJunction portal, the report delves into the intricacies of the employment market in South Africa. Notably, it sheds light on labour mobility, indicating that nearly seven out of ten South African job seekers (69%) are open to relocating for a new job, underscoring high mobility within the labour force.
Examining job seekers who express a willingness to relocate unveils a compelling trend: as work experience accumulates, the inclination to relocate internationally rises, while the willingness to stay within South Africa diminishes.
| Years of experience | Willing to relocate nationally | Willing to relocate internationally |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 70% | 30% |
| 0 to 2 | 66% | 34% |
| 3 to 5 | 61% | 39% |
| 10+ | 55% | 45% |
The report further notes a correlation between qualifications and the propensity of job seekers to relocate. Highly qualified individuals are more inclined to pursue international opportunities, painting a vivid picture of South Africa’s professional drain.
Will the number of South Africans working abroad have negative consequences?
During a roundtable discussion on South Africa’s brain drain in June, Simonetta Guiricich from payroll services group Playroll warned of a mass exodus of talent in the coming years. Already, the country has seen close to a million people leaving for destinations such as the UK, Australia, the USA, New Zealand, and Canada.
Current data on South Africans working abroad
While South Africa doesn’t actively track emigrants, a recent UN report highlighted that 914,901 South Africans were living abroad, a substantial increase from the 786,554 recorded in 2015. The United Kingdom hosts the largest South African diaspora, with nearly 250,000 people listing South Africa as their country of birth, followed by Australia, the USA, and New Zealand.
Of particular concern is the departure of young, skilled individuals. Business leaders are apprehensive about projections indicating that South Africa might lose up to half of its university graduates to emigration in the coming years.
CareerJunction’s report aligns with this worry, revealing that job seekers aged 21 to 30 show the highest mobility, with three out of four individuals willing to relocate for a job.
Streamlining your journey: Apostil.co.za’s document concierge services
As South Africans increasingly explore global opportunities, the need for swift and efficient document processing has never been more crucial. Recognizing this demand, Apostil.co.za emerges as a key player, specialising in document concierge services tailored to expedite official document acquisition and legalisation.
Apostil.co.za boasts a distinguished reputation as a registered courier with the Criminal Records Centre and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). This official registration underscores the company’s commitment to reliability and legality.
We also pride ourselves on our direct collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, facilitating a seamless process for obtaining essential documents. Whether it’s marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other civic documents, we ensure a swift turnaround time, recognising the urgency often associated with international relocation.
Expedited legalisation for international use
Understanding the global nature of relocations, Apostil.co.za specializes in the speedy legalisation of documents for international use. Through either the apostille or authentication process, we work around the clock to ensure that South Africans have their documents recognised and accepted across borders efficiently.
In addition to document acquisition and legalisation, we also specialise in expedited police clearance applications. Because we understand the importance of this document in international transitions, we ensure that clients moving abroad for work have all the necessary clearances promptly.
Tailored support for South Africans moving abroad
Apostil.co.za’s comprehensive services align perfectly with the evolving landscape of South Africans seeking opportunities beyond their borders. Whether you are in need of urgent document acquisition, international legalisation, or expedited police clearances, Apostil.co.za stands as a reliable partner dedicated to streamlining your journey.
As the global workforce landscape transforms, Apostil.co.za remains committed to empowering South Africans with the tools they need to navigate the administrative complexities of international relocation. Explore the world confidently, knowing your documents are in capable hands.
