The end of Working Holiday Visas for South Africans?

In the biggest shake of immigration policy for over 40 years Working Holiday Visas for South Africans will become a thing of the past later in 2008.

For many years young South Africans have been travelling to the UK using the old Working Holiday Visa and the Au Pair Visa but from November 2008 they will be replaced by a points based system as part of the Tier 5 immigration policy. 

As part of the new scheme, visitor’s countries will need to have a reciprocal agreement in place to accept UK visitors which South Africa doesn’t have.

Additionally, as part of the Tier 5 Visa, people wishing to travel to the UK will need their government to sponsor them. With unemployment high and other social issues affecting South Africa, it is unlikely that the South African government will do this.

If you are planning to travel to the UK this year, we would recommend that you apply for your Working Holiday Visa without delay whilst they are still available.

It’s not all bad news however as the Tier 1 Visa is available for people with desirable professional skills, qualifications and experience. There is also the option of the Ancestry Visa for those with grandparents born in the UK.

More information on the new Youth Mobility Scheme can be found here: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier5/youthmobilityscheme/