There is a large number of, for example, South Africans living and working offshore – the interesting work, good pay and high quality of life are all key attractions beyond other factors back at home.

One thing you’ll need to look into if you are from South Africa (and other countries such as Kenya and Zimbabwe) and seeking employment in the Caribbean is a UK or US travel visa.

This is vital to ensure you have the right permission to pass through the USA or UK on indirect flights from SA to the Island as there aren’t direct flights from your country of origin. If you can’t get to the Island/s, you’re not going to be offered a job there. Be sure to prioritise this now if you want to improve your attractiveness as a potential hire.

As you will likely want to take some vacations in the States once you are established offshore, we recommend it ideally makes best sense to get the US visa if you can; however, for the purposes of getting to the Island in the first place, the UK visa will also suffice. You’ll need to judge which option is easier/faster.

Be aware that – like your passport – your travel visa will need to be valid for a minimum of 45 days beyond your work permit’s expiry date.

The Consular Sections of the US Consulates General in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town are responsible for providing visa services to those seeking to enter the United States for a temporary period.

Click to learn more about Non-Immigrant Visas for travelling to/from the US:

https://www.traveller24.com/TravelPlanning/VisaInfo/uk-us-and-australia-visa-costs-what-south-africans-can-expect-to-pay-in-2018-20180413

https://za.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/

https://www.southafrica.to/transport/visa-requirements/usa/usa-visa.php

And click below to learn more about UK visas:

https://visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk/y/south-africa/zar/visit/all

https://www.southafrica.to/transport/visa-requirements/uk/uk-visa.php

Candidates from the UK, Ireland, Canada and the USA do not require travel visas; candidates from other countries should look into this to see if it’s needed.

Note that, whilst your new employer will assist you with getting your work permit/visa to reside on the Island, it is your responsibility to make sure you can get there i.e. obtain the relevant travel visa as above if needed. It is not our place to recommend any third party service providers but specialists such as Visa Logistics may be of help if needed.

If you’re a qualified accountant, actuary or lawyer who is interested in working offshore, visit our jobs portal to see the latest vacancies. Our site includes a downloadable All You Need to Know guide which will tell you all you need to know about living and working offshore.