There are big changes in place right now, so if you have been thinking about immigrating to the United Kingdom, you might have to rethink your plans – you may not be able to go! Anyone who knows a little bit about the UK new immigration system 2021 will know that most South Africans hoping to immigrate to the UK will not be able to do so, thanks to the immigration system imposed by the country. If this is the first you are hearing about it, you’re probably in for a bit of a disappointment… unless you fit the new requirements, of course.
The new UK immigration system is a point-based system and it is said that it was designed to rectify some of the issues that have arisen as a result of the freedom of movement allowed by the European Union in the past. Since Brexit has happened, the free movement immigration system that allowed non-English speaking and unskilled migrants from the EU to get work visas in UK, has come to an end.
The good news is that the UK is still open to migrants from South Africa; they have just made things a little trickier. With the right immigration consultant on your side, you can quickly understand the new rules and regulations, and get started on meeting with the requirements.
Can South Africans Travel to the UK with the UK new immigration system 2021 in Place?
Things have changed for South Africans seeking a new life in the United Kingdom, but the opportunities still exist! If you’re planning to emigrate, you should start the planning process now.
A question that many worried would-be expats ask us often is “Can South Africans travel to the UK?” and the answer is yes! The rules have changed, but that doesn’t mean that the new requirements are unrealistic. It simply means that you have to meet with the requirements in place, before you start the immigration process.
The new system introduces some unexpected changes. For instance, South Africans who cannot speak fluent English will not be accepted in the UK, along with Saffas who are self-employed. Nowadays, migrants must have a job offer of at least R495 762 per year, before you can enter the country. At first glance this might not seem like an unfair ask, but for some type of South Africans, it can completely eliminate the possibility of a residency permit in the UK. Think about professionals who make less than R495 762 per year in the UK. This can include waitresses, farm workers, child minders, cleaners, construction workers, social workers and similar.
UK new immigration system 2021
Immigration to UK from South Africa requirements & the point system
When interested in immigrating to the UK, Saffas would typically aim for a Tier 2 (General) worker visa to get into the country. With the new point-based system, Tier 2 (General) is being replaced with a Skilled Worker category.
The minimum skills threshold has been adjusted from NQF Level 6 to NQF Level 3 and the minimum salary level has also been adjusted from £30,000 to £25,600.
English fluency will continue to be an absolute must.
And this is where things get tricky! In order to qualify as a Tier 2 Skilled Worker, you will need to achieve a minimum of 70 points with the new system.
How to get the points needed
The good news is that if you have a job offer of a position at a certain skill level from a sponsor (employer) who is licensed and if you can prove that you are fluent in English, you will get 50 core points.
You can get the next 20 points required by being awarded a mixture of points from things like the salary you are offered, your education level and of course, whether or not you are going into what is considered a “shortage occupation”. It’s safe to say that if you’re applying for a job that the UK is struggling to find suitably qualified candidates for, you will be awarded a decent helping of points in the event of being selected for the role.
An example of how the point system works is mentioned in the reference below:
- You get a job offer from a licensed sponsor: 20 points
- You are fluent in English: 10 points
- You hold a PHD in subject that’s closely related to your job: 20 points
- The job you are offered is a skilled job: 20 points
- You are offered a salary of between £24 480 and £23 039: 0 points
- You are offered a salary of between £23 040 and £25 599: 10 points
- You are offered a salary of over £25 600: 20 points
With an understanding of how the point system works, you can determine just how many points you can acquire, if you’re interested in starting a new life in the UK.
Ready, set, go to the UK, with the help of FinGlobal
If you are planning on relocating and you are comfortable with the UK new immigration system 2021, the next step is to get your financial matters in order. Here is where FinGlobal can assist. Our team of skilled and knowledgeable professionals can assist you with your financial emigration and tax emigration when leaving South Africa. We can also assist you with getting your retirement annuity funds out, without having to deal with too much red tape. With a decade of experience behind us, we confidently provide premier advice and guidance to thousands of South African expats across the globe. If you are looking for some reliable advice and guidance, contact us. You can reach us via email on info@finglobal.com or by telephone on +27 028 312 2764.