Skilled South Africans needed in THIS UK island
A small island off the UK coast is looking for skilled South Africans who can help grow their population and build their economy.
The Isle of Man, a tiny island off the UK coast, is hoping to attract thousands of new immigrants over the next five years. The island is seeking the skills and work ethic of South Africans and businesses.
ALREADY A STRONG SA PRESENCE
With 8 000 SA expats living there, it is clear that this island is very popular as a destination for South African expats. Over 10% of this island’s population is made up of South Africans. In fact, enough SA expats live there that the island hosted the first ever Saffas Festival last year, according to Business Tech.
Isle of Man Opportunities said that it helped 45 South Africans relocate to the island in the last three months.
WHY THE NEED FOR MORE SOUTH AFRICANS?
The Isle of Man’s current focus is on economic security and stability. Part of this plan is to grow the population. “The island’s five-year plan is all about economic security and stability going forward,” said Marnie Delaney-James, Managing Director of Isle of Man Opportunities.
“The Isle of Man Government has set the island a target of increasing the 86,000 current population by another 15,000 over the next five to seven years,” she added.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR SOUTH AFRICANS?
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
There are currently over 1 000 vacancies on the island, with job openings in the finance, digital and hospitality sectors. The Isle of Man Government also has a £1 billion (roughly R24 billion) long-term public and private investment program to assist in creating roughly 5 000 new jobs.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Tax benefits, 0% capital gains tax, and a variety of business grants are some of the reasons why more and more businesses are choosing to open or relocate to the island. New or relocating businesses have the opportunity to apply for grants of up to 40% for capital and operating expenses, up to 100% of the first year’s rent for business premises, marketing costs for off-island activities and business set-up fees, including legal fees, relocation costs, and other professional fees.
SAFETY AND STABILITY
In addition to a strong education system, the island is renowned for its low crime rate and stable government.
The latest statistics from Numbeo show a very high safety level for people walking alone during the day or at night on Isle of Man. The crime rating for crimes such as assault, attacks, theft, mugging, break-ins, and armed robbery is very low.