Hiring a foreign national: get the paperwork right first.
A simple employer checklist. It does not verify a visa or replace advice from an immigration professional.
Before the person starts
- Ask the prospective employee to produce the applicable valid work authorisation before employment starts.
- Use a written offer and contract that clearly records the role, pay, start date and any lawful condition linked to work authorisation.
- Keep a secure copy of the document and record its expiry date. Limit access to people who genuinely need it.
- Prepare a role description and the ordinary onboarding records you would keep for any employee.
- Treat employees fairly: foreign nationals employed in South Africa are entitled to the same labour-law standards as other employees.
What we do not do
We do not check an ID number against government systems, confirm visa validity, give immigration advice or guarantee a person’s right to work. Do not rely on a scan, a checklist or a template as proof that status has been verified. Where there is uncertainty, use the Department of Home Affairs and a qualified immigration professional.
Get the onboarding file organised
The Foreign Worker Onboarding Pack includes a conditional offer letter, employment contract, document checklist, expiry tracker and referral checklist. It is a record-keeping and document-preparation service, not a visa-verification service.
Start the onboarding pack