dave pearson

looking for a permanent move.

TouristTrap

Truthfully, I wouldn't move there if I had a family. Not worth the hassle and aggravation that will come your way.

NTS

Hi Dave,

I have been here for 2 years and loved it. I would not discourage any one to do the same (as long as they are aware and careful), but I do not see the long term security in South Africa. The more I read the more I think it is not a place for a long term move.

Just my opinion, Mny other Brits have moved here and love it and would not move back.

Pablo

I have heard so many Brits now back in Britain who have said that.

Pablo

Kitten24

I agree. Every single person we know who moved back to SA, because they were missing family and friends, are now either back in the UK or have gone to Aus or New Zealand.

Kitten24

I know what you mean. We've been in the UK for 6 years now and the weather is really getting to me. We're currently in the process of applying to go to Australia. Not even one of our friends who moved there have said that they regret it or want to come back to the UK.

SA is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been too, but it doesn't help you live in paradise and have to look over your shoulder and always be aware of the possibility of being mugged/highjacked/having your house robbed etc. I wish I could be more positive, but I came back from our holiday there in February feeling like I need a holiday. We were all really stressed out from things that had happened to us and that we had seen.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

TouristTrap

I personally know many who have moved back to Europe - Brits, Dutch, French over the years.

It is different moving there as a retiree or childless couple/single, and moving there with a family.

dave pearson

many thanks to everyone who responded,much appreciated.not sure what to do.know my wife would like to be near her family,but having the constant worry of crime(especially the gun culture)would be very stressful.what a shame.it's such a beautiful country.never fancied australia,canada too cold for my wife,new zealand keeps raising it's head but have no contact's there.we'll have to give it some more thought.regards to all,Dave.

6000

Ex-pat Brit living in (apparently) the most violent province in SA.

Loving it. All smoke and mirrors, this crime thing.

dave pearson

Hi 6000,glad to hear a positive response.Were looking at moving to jo'burg because my wife has family there.Have been to cape town on a visit and loved it although the areas we liked were well out of our price range.Did you move with your family?

Cosmos

Hi there

I moved to SA 6 weeks ago. My husband is SA citizen and I applied for spousal visa in the UK - it took about 18 months to come through, according to our agent we were 'pretty quick'.

Bear in mind that if you come on a temporary visa, you won't be able to work unless your company sponsors you. I don't know what you do but if its an everyday job they probably won't want to. Most people avoid having to deal with home affairs and I don't blame them!

Even though I am now a PR, it will take aother 6 months or so to get a non citizen ID book, until then I can't open a bank account, buy a car in my name, get an SA driving licence etc etc...

At the moment, I'm liking it here though, lovely warm winter, blue skies, friendly people, cheap wine. Got a job within a month - pay is rubbish but great company and lots of prospects, including International if we decide not to stay.

Good luck!

crusheduk

thanks ill give him a shot. thought about forgetting to mention it but thought that would have adverse effects on finding work?
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LOL you do not understnd the new S.A then?

If you are white you have very little chance. Either start your own bizz (pain in the backside Aff. Action) or be prepared for low paid work. Enjoy!

busterboy

To add to yours and Pablo's points.

My OH's family emigrated from Yorkshire to Jo'burg 1981 with three children. Had a lovely time and many happy years but by 2001 they had had enough of the crime, economy and instability with regards long term prospects.

MIL and FIL back in UK awaiting to come to Australia
SIL in Perth, WA
OH and me in Melbourne.
BIL and SIL still in Jo'burg with application into Canada.

OH's closest childhood friend arrived in Melbourne 2006.
Other close friends arrived in Brisbane and Auckland from Joburg via London 2007.
OH's best friend Bob left Joburg for London arrives Sydney November 2007.
OH's other best friend Sean left Joburg for London arrives Auckland August 2007.

We heard the other day that other friends have their application to Oz in also.

Buney

It'll be the best thing you could ever do ! It's got everything !

Mitzyboy

How long have you lived there Buney?