[John]

Hi everyone! We've been in the US for almost 12 years now and have been US citizens for more than 5 years. During this time, I have become very aware that people have been leaving SA in a steady stream (with some occasional spikes) for several years. I am under the impression that most people go Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, or the UK. I'm guessing that they go there because they can get in there legally.

I see that many of your here are in European countries (excluding the UK). How difficult is it to get into European countries? I have always been under the impression that it is not very easy if you don't have family ties, which, in my mind, is why people opt for the other countries I mentioned.

The Eskom crisis in SA seems to have been the last straw for many people and there is currently another SA emigration spike. It would be very nice if Europe is a viable option for them to pursue.

Have a nice weekend!

John

[Marli]

Hi John

In Germany it takes a job offer, in order to get in. I do not think it is very easy to get such an offer, unless you have contacts or are specialized in some way. Like in many other countries, Germany has to prove that there is no one in Germany that can do the job, and only then can you be considered.

Immigration to Germany is virtually unheard of. It takes many many years to qualify for citizenship and I've heard that even then it is very hard to actually get it.

In Germany you can also only qualify for a passport if you have very direct links to Germany. If I am not mistaken your parents (or at least on parent) must have been born in Germany for you to qualify for a passport.

I think that you are right in that many people prefer Aus/Canada, since they make it easier to become a resident and eventually a citizen of the country.

However, I need to add that it is absolutely worth it to live in Europe. I love it here and I will be eternally greatful to those who made it possible for me to come here!

Have a nice weekend too!

[Paisley]

Europe must be the most difficult place to get in. I am in Ireland for 7 years now and it is still a pain to get all the necessary paperwork done every year. You can apply for citizenship after 5 years. This can take up to 5 years before they even think of pulling your file. Worst part is no one in immigration knows what the law is and what is required.

[Sambo]

Hi all,

Its been ages since I have posted on this site. I'm also a member on the SA Australia site as we have also lodged our Aus Permanent Residence application. Our first choise has always been Europe and with the Aus Visa's taking soooo long at the moment - we re-persued the Europe thing. My husband has just been offered a job in Spain - and it looks like we might take it!! YEY!! Anyway, so as not to digress from the topic - I have just phoned the Spanish Embassy to find out the requirements to get a work permit - and although lengthy and beuracratic - is doable. But when I asked whether it made a difference if one of us had an EU passport - the whole attitude changed and its VERY easy. You basically get a re-grouping visa which is valid for three months in which you have one month to apply in Spain for the working visa.

[Marli]

Hi Sambo

I think if you can do this and if you are keen on learning Spanish, then you will not regret this ever! Spane is a lovely country, you are lucky!!

[Sambo]

Thanks Marli! Will be quite a challenge to begin with I'm sure but well worth it in the long run!!

[Marli]

Hi Sambo

The best advice I have is that you should allow yourself time to adapt. Unless you already know a Roman language, it will take you well in excess of a year to learn the language. Off course, the more you immerse yourself in the language, the sooner it will happen, and if you avoid contact with the language it will take even much longer.

I believe that language lessons should be a priority as this will be the biggest barrier you will have to overcome.

If you have the opportunity, I would also recommend that you start with classes even before going to Spain. This way your brain will already start the adaptation process.

I love learning new languages and I love the fact that it makes you understand your own language so much better!

Have fun with this, but remember, to stay calm, and to take it one day at a time. There is no rush.

[Minette]

My brother and sister both live in Spain (Barcelona) at the moment and they are loving it! Good luck on learning a new language!

[Sambo]

Jeeze - us Saffers are penetrating the world!! Thanks for all your encouragement. We have already started learning Spanish - and I have just loaded this great BBC CD-Rom on to my computer - only to discover it doesn't run on Vista

My 4 year old daughter is addicted to fish and chips and has already learnt "Pescado frito con patatas fritas, por favor"

[Dedré]

John,

I find that Europe is open for those with:
1.) European connections and family, (also mentioned earlier)
2.) Skill that is in demand,
3.) Ability to speak that specific country's language.

Most important is the language (which makes sense) and the qualification.

People who move to Canada, the US, the UK and Auz, do so mostly because there is no need to adapt to the language so much. Also (excluding the US), these countries need skilled foreigners to keep their economies ticking, therefore make it easier to get in. Although, I must say Canada is possibly in the process of pulling the plug on themselves with the processing difficulties and time delays.

UK and Australia, I think, are the least difficult and most straight forward of the lot.