S.A. policy on work permits

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34048, 12 January 1976, Page 16

S.A. policy on work permits

CN.Z, Press Association) WELLINGTON.

The South African Con-sul-General to New Zealand (Mr P. H. Philip), said that he had not been advised that the South African Government was tightening its policy on the issuing of work permits to New Zealanders and other visitors. Asked to comment on newspaper reports from Johannesburg warning visitors planning working holidays in South Africa to obtain a work permit first, Mr Philip said that he had not been told of any change in the Government’s attitude towards visitors on working holidays.

“The normal situation is that any visitor entering South Africa on a visitor’s visa needs to get a work permit before taking work,” said Mr Philip. “Sometimes it’s possible to get a permit here, but they have to have a job first. If they have a job in South Africa before they leave New Zealand, they can apply for a permit here.

"If they go to South Africa without a job they must get a job before applying for a work permit, and there is no guarantee they will get a job. It depends on the state of the labour market.”