Profile of South African migrants to the UK evolving as more businesses seek opportunities and expansion – JP Breytenbac

The United Kingdom has long been a favoured destination for South Africans seeking work or residency, thanks to shared language, time zones, and historical ties. However, according to JP Breytenbach from Breytenbach Immigration Consultants, the profile of South African migrants is evolving. “There is a significant increase in business migration, with companies aiming to expand into the UK as a gateway to Europe or the US,” he shared in an interview with Biznews. Many of these South Africans businesses feel they have reached a ceiling in their local markets or are tech entrepreneurs who believe their products are not yet viable in South Africa. This year, new UK immigration rules are set to take effect as the country seeks to limit net migration. These changes include increased visa costs and restrictions on care workers bringing their families to the UK. Despite these challenges, Breytenbach emphasises that there are still ample opportunities for South Africans looking to work, start businesses, or study in the UK, particularly in fields like accounting, plumbing, and electrical work, which remain in high demand. He also reminds South Africans currently residing in the UK to renew their biometric residence permit cards before they transition to an e-visa at the end of the year.