SOUTH AFRICA

Foreign graduates can soon apply for permanent residence

Foreign students will soon be allowed to apply for permanent residence once they have graduated from a South African university, writes Wyndham Hartley for BDLive.

Introducing his budget vote debate in an extended public committee of the National Assembly on 22 April, Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said international students constituted a key segment that is prioritised by governments globally, because of the economic and social benefits they offer host countries in terms of adding to the skills base, and contributing positively to society more broadly.

"The first of these initiatives, to be formally launched in the coming weeks, is a special exemption to allow graduate international students in critical skills areas to qualify for permanent residence permits upon graduation,” he said.
Full report on the BDLive site