South Africa’s Department of Employment & Labour has unveiled a new National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) to tackle critical skills shortages and reverse the brain drain in the country.
Published on May 29, the policy outlines plans to attract highly skilled expatriates and foreign professionals, particularly in mathematics, science, and technical fields, by easing immigration rules and offering incentives for returning South Africans.
South Africa’s new immigration approach
The National Labour Migration Policy immigration strategy includes granting seven-year work permits to foreign graduates and fast-tracking visas for skilled professionals.
“The NLMP follows the National Development Plan’s recommendation of relaxing immigration requirements for highly skilled science and maths teachers, technicians, and researchers,” the policy document states.
Additionally, the nation faces dire shortages in key sectors, including education, healthcare, and engineering. The policy acknowledges that the current system has failed to attract top talent, increasing the country’s economic challenges.
With unemployment at a record 31.9 percent (Stats SA, 2025), the government hopes that importing expertise will stimulate growth and improve competitiveness.
“South Africa has been in constant need of external expertise and skills to supplement areas in demand nationally,” said Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth in the foreword to the policy.
She noted that many skilled professionals in health, engineering, and artisan sectors have left for opportunities abroad, leaving gaps in the local workforce.
To reverse that, the NLMP proposes incentives such as relocation subsidies and covering immigration costs. However, the plan isn’t limited to permanent returns—seasonal programs will also allow expatriates to temporarily share their skills with the local labour market.
The policy also addresses systemic inefficiencies, such as the lack of a centralised electronic system for tracking labour migration. The department is collaborating with Statistics South Africa and the International Labour Organisation to develop a digital platform for real-time data. This will enable policymakers to monitor trends and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Another initiative involves Home Affairs and the Department of International Relations, which will allow the government to track South Africans working abroad, including their skills profiles. This data will inform future policies on talent retention and repatriation.
Minister Meth emphasised that the NLMP aligns with regional and global commitments, including the African Union’s Migration Policy Framework and the SADC Labour Migration Action Plan.
“This policy will serve as a guide to our legislation, governance systems, and bilateral labour agreements,” she said.
Balancing local and global needs
While the policy focuses on attracting foreign talent, it also aims to protect South African workers abroad and facilitate their return to the country.
“This national strategy for skills retention will include incentives to come back on a temporary or permanent basis,” the document notes.
The NLMP marks a historic shift in South Africa’s approach to labour migration, moving from reactive measures to a proactive, development-driven strategy. If successfully implemented, it could reshape the country’s workforce, turning brain drain into brain gain.
As Minister Meth concluded, “My hope is to witness a time when migrating to or from South Africa in search of employment will be seen as a positive and secure experience—one that benefits our economy and society equally.”