Plans to reverse the brain drain

SA aims to attract over 34 000 FOREIGN experts whose skills in various sectors can help grow the economy and at the same time be transferred to locals.
Issue date 11 May 2007

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SA aims to attract over 34 000 FOREIGN experts whose skills in various sectors can help grow the economy and at the same time be transferred to locals. Minister of home affairs Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula announced last week that 34 825 quota work permits were available for skilled foreigners, in order to help bridge the skills shortage in critical areas of the economy. “The quota permits will give employers facing skills shortages a massive boost, allowing them to recruit skilled foreigners and ensure that local employees are exposed to colleagues with cutting-edge training and experience,” said the ­minister. A list of 53 professional categories, which locally lack critical skills, has been ­published in the Government Gazette. The skills identified include those of civil engineers, geologists, mathematics and science teachers, mining engineers, mechanical engineers, space scientists, economists, agricultural economists, structural engineers, electricians and jewellers. – BuaNews