Why the general work visa is still the hardest South African work visa to get
The labour certificate is waived, yet the general work visa remains the route most applicants struggle with. The difficulty has moved: from a labour-market test to a points threshold that most ordinary salaries cannot reach.
Insight briefing · 5 pages · PDF · 16 October 2026
Who it is for
Applicants and employers weighing the general work visa.
Inside
- 01Who needs it
- 02Why it earned its reputation
- 03What changed in 2024
- 04Why it is still the hardest
- 05Why it is the most exposed to change
- 06How to give an application its best chance
Written by Owen Magocha. The briefing states the law as at 16 October 2026. It is general information, not legal advice for your situation.
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