Lesotho Nationals - South Africa Work Visa
Please Note: In December 2023, the South African government extended the Lesotho Exemption Visa (LEP) for an additional year. Previously set to expire on November 29th, 2023, LEPs will now be valid until November 29th, 2024. This extension provides Lesotho nationals with more time.
Lesotho nationals have travelled to SA since 2015 due to the socio-economic issues that have been happening. In 2015 the Department of Home Affairs started the Lesotho Special Visa issued to them to stay in the country legally.
Home Affairs renewed the LSP visa in 2019 and extended the deadline until 15th June 2020. The LSP visa is valid up until the 31st of December 2023 and we are not sure if they will be renewing the LSP visa.
Those who have missed the cut-off date in 2015 can no longer apply for the visa and this means that they need to apply for one of the 4 mainstream employment visas. Applying for a work Visa in South Africa is a daunting process and if you do not know the process then you can potentially end up applying for the wrong visa. You are not allowed to apply for a work visa on a visit visa in South Africa.
Today we will be discussing in-depth about applying for the visa. These are the different South Africa visa types you can apply for.
Why Do People From Lesotho Go To South Africa To Work?
People from Lesotho travel to South Africa for work due to a combination of economic factors:
• Limited job opportunities in Lesotho: Lesotho has a smaller economy compared to South Africa, with fewer formal job opportunities.
• Higher wages in South Africa: South Africa generally offers higher wages than Lesotho, making it a more attractive destination for work.
• Geographic proximity: Lesotho is a landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa, making it easier for Basotho (people from Lesotho) to travel and work there.
• Historical ties: Lesotho and South Africa have a long history of economic and social ties.
These factors create a situation where working in South Africa can be a significant draw for Basotho seeking better economic opportunities.
Do Lesotho citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Lesotho is part of the visa-exempt countries for South Africa meaning that they receive 30 days automatically when they get to the port of entry. They simply do not have to apply for a visa if they would like to visit the country for tourism or business purposes.
They are strictly not allowed to work whilst on a visit visa and therefore must apply for the appropriate visa to take up employment.
I have no qualifications can I still obtain a work Visa?
All the work visas available in South Africa require foreigners to have qualifications for the position they are applying for.
South Africa has a very high unemployment rate and therefore is protecting the labour market.
The position you are applying for must not displace a South African citizen or permanent resident holder.
Therefore securing employment in South Africa with no qualifications will be an uphill battle.
Unskilled positions such as a gardener or maid for instance will not qualify for a work Visa.
What types of work visas are available?
There are 4 types of work visas available:
• Critical Skills Work Visa
• Corporate Workers Visa
• General Work Visa
• Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa
Lesotho foreign nationals who are married to or in a relationship with a South African citizen or permanent residence holder can apply for a spouse visa or a life partnership visa. These visas will allow you to add working rights to them.
The duration for each visa:
• Critical Skills Visa and General work visa – 5 years maximum
• Corporate Workers Visa – Valid for the duration of the corporate visa of the employer
• Intra Company Transfer Visa – 4 years and no extension are allowed.
Critical Skills Visa:
This visa is available to a foreigner whose skill is listed as a shortage in South Africa. The Department of Home Affairs has published a list of skilled shortages called the Critical Skills Occupation List.
Corporate Workers Visa:
This visa is available to foreigners who have secured employment with a corporate entity that has a corporate visa.
Companies that hold a corporate visa are allowed to employ a predetermined number of foreigners for specific positions within the company.
General Work Visa:
The general work Visas are available to foreigners who can fill a position in the country where no ordinary SA citizen or permanent resident can fill that particular position.
The applicant must have the necessary qualifications and experience.
Extra Documentation for Critical Skills Visa working application:
How much is a visa from Lesotho to South Africa
Lesotho is visa exempt so a visit visa stamp is issued at the port of entry. Applying for a temporary residence work visa has costs to it.
Work Visa costs – R 1520.00 per visa.
This fee is paid when you submit your application at the SA embassy at the immigration department.
