Archive for January 4th, 2010

South Africa releases fresh work permit quota's
The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa that issues work permits, business permits, life partner and spousal permits, retired permits and relatives permits has recently announced a new permit allocation. This is designed in consideration of the skills shortages that may be offered by immigrants hoping to move to South Africa. Business permit allocation South Africa has long realised the obligation to secure industry and merchants have a connection to the correct skills, more than ever with the enormous expenditure occurring for the 2010 world cup. South Africa has a first class education system and reliable labor force, it is observed that in a few avocations there is a talent shortage. To assist the immigration development in the business permit sector the Department of Home Affairs regularly reviews what qualifications are required and issues a quota work permit requirements document. This quota list allows immigrants to apply for a quota work permit which means the potential immigrant can consider a work permit before receiving an offer of employment, in essence simplifying the overall immigration application process. What trade are required? After lengthy consideration between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and feedback from the major South African companies, Home Affairs published the latest list of scarce occupations this year. Prospective immigrants looking for employment in these areas may apply for permits allowing them to reside and work in South Africa. Reflecting the reality of economic growth in South Africa the Department of Home Affairs focuses very much on technical and engineering professions. In fact any Industrial engineer qualifies automatically, but it remains well worth a look at the employees in demand in detail. Because private and public investments in infrastructure projects immigrants with experience in the construction industry are most sought after. Included in the quota jobs are CAD technicians, Draftsperson, Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers, Civil engineering technicians and technologists. In the manufacturing industries the Department of Home Affairs requires quotas for occupations such as Manufacturing Technicians, Mechanical Draughtsperson and Technicians, Hydraulics and Pneumatics Technicians, Mechanical Engineers, Quality Engineers and Inspectors, Pipeline Engineers and Refrigeration Engineers. In the aviation industry immigrants with backgrounds such as Aeronautical Engineers, Avionics Engineers and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are invited to consider the quota work permit. In the electronics sector, South Africa is looking for engineers that are qualified as Mechatronics Technicians, Electronic Engineers, Electronics Technicians, Autotronics and Electromechanical Technicians. Recently the Department, also requested some skilled laborers that can apply for immigration such as precision metal workers, fitters and turners, toolmakers, boilermakers, coded welders and millwrights. In other disciplines the Department has recognised the need for BPO for economic stability and has included Call Centre and Contact Centre Managers in the quota system. In the organisation and information professionals notably positions for economists, statisticians, actuaries and risk assessors are obtainable for quota professions. The mining industry is of equal importance to the South African economy. This is reflected by the fact that Home Affairs offers immigrants in the professions Geologists, Geophysicists, Mining Engineering and Earth Science Technicians the ability to get work and residence permits. Other industry skills covered are agriculture and forestry, the chemical industry, pharmacology, biotechnology, astronomy and food technology. South Africa appears to be suffering from a skills shortage among Science Teachers and Maths and Jewellery Makers. It is important to note that Home Affairs will check if the future immigrant has the desired skills and experience as well as five years of work experience before granting the quota work permit. Stuart James is a Client Relationship Manager at <a href="http://www.south-africa-immigration.com">Intergate Immigration South Africa</a> for information please visit www.south-africa-immigration.com
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Make The Most Of Layover Time Between Flights
For the frequent flyer and the occasional traveler alike, layover time is both an unfortunate occurrence and a fact of life. These hours can be empty and mindless or they can be used productively, or, at the very least, in a way that makes time go faster. So, how do you spend the hours while waiting for your flight? With a little creativity, this once wasted time can become time well spent. A Time to Relax Perhaps you are looking for a calm, relaxed way to spend your layover time. If this is the case then you have many choices. Besides sitting around watching the planes take off, you can listen to some music. Portable mp3 players and other forms of listening devices have made carrying around an entire library of music very manageable. Listening to your favorite songs is a nice relaxing way to spend your time in peace. People watching is a great way to spend time during a layover as well. As a meeting place for individuals from various countries and regions of the world, an airport is an ideal location for people watching. This is a favorite hobby of many travelers. Watching people, wondering where they are going and for what reason can pass the time in a fun way. You could spend your time enjoying a book or magazine. This is the perfect chance to catch up on some of your pleasure reading. Books that have either been given to you as a present or you yourself have purchased provide a great way to spend layover time between flights. If you did not pack any reading materials, you can take a stroll through the terminal and visit some of the airport’s stores. Peruse the reading materials at newsstands until you find something of interest. Layover time can be well spent by doing some window shopping. Most major airports have many great stores offering a wide range of products. A More Technological Approach If you are travelling, it is important to have your cell phone fully charged. If your cell phone is not charged, take the time available during a layover to charge your phone and any other electronics you are carrying with you. Time spent during a layover is an ideal time to catch up on all the conversations you have been putting off, or did not have the time to make. Take advantage of the time available during a layover by catching up with friends and family that you have not spoken with in a while. For a more solitary, although just as entertaining approach, you could bring along a portable DVD player and enjoy your favorite movies. A portable DVD player usually costs between $100-$200 but in a situation such as a layover, it is money well spent. The television sets in the airport tend to be tuned to news shows. If that does not interest you, or cannot sustain your interest, a portable DVD player is a great solution. Plug in some headphones and escape into a great movie. Don’t be surprised if you see some other people watching along with you, envious of the entertainment options you have brought along. If There Is Work to Be Done For those individuals who have a laptop computer, a layover is the great time to catch up on any work-related reading or projects which can be accessed via a laptop. Nowadays, many airports offer wireless internet access, and also several outlets which can be used to either to charge or power-up a laptop computer. Any work which can be completed in the airport during a layover is work you will not have to do later. You can surf the web for business or go to any other sites you choose. You can surely find something to keep yourself occupied with for the duration of your layover. You have time on your hands; why not make the most of it? Layovers can be viewed as a waste of time or as an opportunity. The list of activities you could engage in during a layover is practically endless. Capitalizing on the time available is an opportunity to take care of tasks otherwise put off. Tasks for business or for your personal life can be achieved during a layover. Get ahead at work by taking the time available during a layover to complete important assignments. Buy presents for the holidays or for a birthday coming up. Of course, if you are tired or do not feel like doing any work, the time available during a layover is perfect for simply relaxing. Listening to your favorite songs or watching some great movies will no doubt speed up the time between flights. Use your imagination and take advantage of the time available in the way which pleases you most.Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about topics and tips involving the travel industry and vacation deals, often discussing specific subjects such as hotels and cheap flights at http://www.flightcentre.ca/flights/.
Source: www.ArticlePros.com