An overseas trained doctor (OTD) wishing to work in South Africa must meet a set of basic requirements in terms of primary medical qualifications and have the necessary education and training.

As soon as Direct Medics has confirmed a position for you, you will be able to apply for a work visa or you may want to consider other options such as a working holiday or apply as a skilled migrant.

Requirements to Work in South Africa

The Health Professions Council of South Africa will offer a Certificate of Competence to applicants who have submitted the correct documentation and been successful in the examinations.

If the doctor meets fitness for registration requirements, holds one or more prescribed qualifications and satisfies the competence requirements, the Health Professions Council of South Africa will grant registration in the applied category.

Medical Qualification

The Health Professions Council of South Africa requires a copy of a degree certificate or other basic qualification in medicine and a sworn translation in English (where necessary).

Fitness to Practice

The Health Professions Council of South Africa is responsible for ensuring that practitioners are fit to practice, and are not impaired due to any physical or mental ill health. The Health Committee is committed to the prevention, early identification, treatment and rehabilitation of impaired healthcare practitioners.

Annual Practising Fee

Annual fees are payable to the HPCSA by 1 April and are valid until 31 March of the following year.

It is the responsibility of every registered practitioner to ensure that his/her annual fee is paid by 1 April of each year.

Registered health practitioners who have not paid their annual fees by 1 April of a particular year, will be erased from the register within three months of the due date of 1 April.

In 2010, this fee is R1112.

Immigration & Visas

Once Direct Medics has confirmed an offer of employment a work permit can be submitted to the South African foreign office or to the nearest such office to the country in which you reside.

An extension to the work permit can be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the expiry of the permit. If you have a valid work permit, you can also apply for permanent residence in South Africa.