Major international companies are poaching skilled South Africans

International companies are headhunting skilled South African professionals to fill global talent shortages.

This is according to Rob Mailich, Global CEO of REDi Holbourne Recruitment Group in the UK, who outlined the aggressive shift. 

Mailich said that the global demand for skilled South Africans is growing, particularly in fields such as healthcare, education, engineering, and IT. 

He added that countries like Canada, Germany, the UK, and the UAE are actively poaching talented South Africans to fill their skills deficit, and young professionals are taking up the offers in large numbers.

Mailich noted that he has personally seen a wave of South Africans moving abroad, including to the US, London, Amsterdam, and Paris. 

“Some of them often talk about the tax incentives that attracted them, while others are drawn by the many career opportunities and improved quality of life available in developed countries,” he said. 

South Africans are in high demand internationally because of their confidence, resilience, and adaptability. 

Many South Africans also have strong academic backgrounds, citing globally respected institutions like UCT, Wits, and Stellenbosch.

Mailich said international companies like English proficiency, and South Africans tend to have a neutral and well-sounding accent, which is particularly valuable in global business environments. 

Cultural adaptability and a strong work ethic also set South Africans apart. “We are just a hardworking bunch, whether it’s locally or abroad,” he said.

When it comes to why South Africans choose to leave, it’s not always just about the money.

Mailich pointed out that this has changed due to dual tax agreements and more comparable salaries at the higher end of the South African job market. 

“The salaries in South Africa are very proportional to the salaries abroad these days, even if you convert,” he said. 

“That said, professionals in sectors like healthcare and education, where local pay tends to be lower, still benefit significantly from moving overseas.”

The skills in high demand

Another major factor is the quality of life. Mailich noted that public transport systems are a big pull. “You don’t need a car if you’re in New York or Amsterdam. It’s easier and safer.” 

Safety and infrastructure continue to be deciding factors for many South Africans considering emigration.

Looking at the talent companies are searching for,  Mailich said technology is big, listing roles like developers, cloud engineers, data analysts, and BI professionals as highly sought-after. 

He also highlighted demand in finance, particularly for auditors and actuaries, along with ongoing shortages in healthcare, including doctors, nurses, and especially caregivers. 

“Civil and mechanical engineers are also in demand, as well as professionals in mining and support services,” he added. 

Even companies hiring remotely are looking to South Africa as a source of talent. “There’s a growing interest in virtual PAs and support roles,” Mailich explained.

South Africa’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is strong, and international companies are increasingly using it as a lower-cost base. 

As for which countries South Africans should focus on, the list includes familiar names, such as the Netherlands, the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. 

According to Mailich, even entry-level roles and apprenticeships in countries like the UK and Europe now attract hundreds of applicants for just a few positions.

To be more attractive to international companies looking for talent, Mailich urged South Africans to upskill. 

“Get your academics up, whether it’s in matric or university,” he said. He also recommended learning additional languages using tools like Duolingo, especially for those targeting European countries. 

Beyond academics, Mailich emphasised the importance of a well-rounded CV. “If you’re playing sports, be the best sportsman,” he said. 

“If you’re involved in drama productions, be the best you can be. All of those will stand out because you’re competing against a lot of people internationally these days.”