The South African government is formulating a policy to give skilled Zimbabwean workers and other migrants immediate permanent residence as the country pushes forward its bid to attract specialists, Mirror has established.

The major policy shift by government could eventually see an increased inflow of skilled manpower into South Africa, the most economically sound country on the continent, which has remained a major attraction to job seekers from several countries in the sub-region, particularly Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

He acting chief director of refugee affairs in the Department of Home Affairs, Ms Busi Mkhwebane-Tshehla, confirmed the development during the launch of the Johannesburg Migration Advisory Committee (JMAC) meeting last week. The role of the committee is to formulate and oversee regulations to co-ordinate the integration of migrants in the city.

She said there was need to distinguish between economic asylum seekers and other refugees, so that the former can be helped to use their skills optimally. “South Africa needs more skills and because migrants need work permits and then have to apply for permanent residence, long delays are caused. We are now looking at amending the acts to grant immediate permanent residence to those with scarce skills,” she said.

While Mkhwebane-Tshehla could not say which skills were classified as critical, it is common knowledge that South Africa needs more skilled workers in education, construction, mining, health, technology, among other areas.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by South Africa also seems to have increased the need to make it easier for migrant workers with relevant skills to be assisted to settle in the country and play a role in making the historic tournament a success in every respect.

Migrant workers granted permanent residence are treated as citizens and therefore enjoy the same rights as South Africans.

Recently, the Department of Home Affairs scrapped visa requirements for Zimbabweans intending to visit the country, a move that saw a sharp increase in the number of Zimbabweans entering South Africa through the Beit Bridge Border post.