Last Updated on December 16, 2025 by TrendyAcads

“South Africa recorded more than 700,000 job vacancies in 2024 across agriculture, hospitality, domestic services, logistics, and retail sectors.” — Statistics South Africa (Stats SA)

South Africa remains one of the most diverse and economically active countries in Africa, attracting thousands of foreigners seeking work opportunities. While the country is known for its mining, finance, and tech industries, it also has a huge demand for unskilled and low-skilled workers due to labour shortages in essential sectors.

If you’re looking for a stable job in Africa with employer sponsorship, unskilled jobs in South Africa with visa sponsorship offer promising opportunities in 2025 — especially for foreigners from other African nations and beyond.

This guide covers everything you need: job roles, salaries, visa options, employer list, requirements, and how to apply.

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Why South Africa Is Hiring Foreign Workers in 2025

Despite unemployment challenges among locals, certain industries still struggle to fill roles due to:

1. Remote rural work environments

Many farms and factories are far from major cities.

2. Shortage of physically demanding labour

Younger workers prefer office work.

3. High demand during seasonal periods

Agriculture, tourism, and hospitality need extra manpower.

4. Growing logistics and warehousing sectors

E-commerce and retail expansion increase demand.

5. Domestic work shortages

Households need helpers, caregivers, and cleaners.

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What Are Unskilled Jobs in South Africa?

These are roles that:

• require no degree

• require minimal or no experience

• offer full training

• involve physical, repetitive, or routine tasks

• may include accommodation (depending on employer)

These jobs are ideal for first-time migrants or workers transitioning industries.

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Top Unskilled Jobs in South Africa with Visa Sponsorship 2025

Below are the most in-demand roles:

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1. Farm Workers (Very High Demand)

Roles:

• fruit picking

• livestock handling

• vegetable harvesting

• greenhouse labour

• vineyard workers

Salary: R4,000 – R7,000/month
Best provinces: Western Cape, Limpopo, Eastern Cape

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2. Hospitality & Hotel Jobs

Roles:

• hotel cleaners

• kitchen assistants

• room attendants

• waiters/waitresses

• housekeeping staff

Salary: R4,500 – R8,000/month
Hotspots: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg

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3. Warehouse & Logistics Assistants

Roles:

• packers

• loaders

• order pickers

• forklift assistants

Salary: R5,000 – R9,000/month

Top employers:

• Takealot

• Shoprite Distribution

• DHL South Africa

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4. Construction Labourers

Roles:

• general labourer

• bricklayer assistant

• scaffolding helper

• site cleaner

Salary: R5,000 – R8,000/month

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5. Retail & Supermarket Assistants

Roles:

• shelf packers

• store helpers

• merchandisers

• cashiers (low-skill)

Salary: R4,000 – R7,500/month

Major employers:

• Pick n Pay

• Shoprite

• Woolworths

• Spar

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6. Cleaning & Domestic Work

Roles:

• home cleaners

• hotel maids

• office cleaners

• school cleaners

• domestic helpers

Salary: R3,500 – R6,000/month

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7. Mining Support Workers

(Entry-level roles in selected mines)

Roles:

• assistant rock drillers

• shaft cleaners

• loaders

Salary: R7,000 – R12,000/month

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Visa Options for Unskilled Workers in South Africa

Foreigners typically use:

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1. General Work Visa

Issued when:

• employer proves no qualified South African filled the role

• job contract meets labour standards

• applicant meets health + police requirements

Valid for up to 5 years.

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2. Corporate Visa

Big companies get permits to hire large groups of foreign workers for:

• farming

• construction

• hospitality

• mining

Foreign workers then receive individual work authorisations.

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3. Critical Skills Visa (Not for unskilled jobs)

Used mainly for professionals but sometimes applies in hospitality or manufacturing support roles.

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Top Employers Hiring Unskilled Workers in South Africa

Farming

• ZZ2 Farming

• Cape Fruit Growers

• De Keur Farms

Hospitality

• Protea Hotels

• Sun International

• Tsogo Sun Hotels

Retail

• Pick n Pay

• Shoprite

• SPAR

Factories

• Tiger Brands

• Nestlé SA

• Clover SA

Cleaning Companies

• SweepSouth

• Bidvest Cleaning

• Tshwane Cleaning Services

Logistics

• Takealot

• DHL South Africa

• SA Post Office

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Salary Breakdown for Unskilled Jobs in South Africa

South Africa’s minimum wage is approximately R27.58 per hour, depending on the sector.

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Cost of Living in South Africa (Monthly)

Affordable cities:

• Port Elizabeth

• Bloemfontein

• Pretoria

More expensive:

• Cape Town

• Johannesburg

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Requirements for Unskilled Jobs in South Africa

General requirements:

• job offer

• employer sponsorship

• police clearance

• medical test

• passport

• CV

Optional:

• basic English

• physical fitness

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Related Article:
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How to Apply for Unskilled Jobs in South Africa (Step-by-Step)

1 — Prepare a South African-style CV

Clear, simple, and straightforward.

2 — Apply through trusted platforms

• PNet

• Careers24

• Indeed South Africa

• JobMail

• Company career pages

3 — Attend short interviews (mostly online)

4 — Employer applies for work authorisation

5 — Submit your General Work Visa request

Includes:

• medical tests

• biometrics

• police certificate

6 — Wait for approval & travel to South Africa

Processing time: 6–12 weeks

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Can Unskilled Workers Get Permanent Residency in South Africa?

Yes — but it takes time.

✔ After 5 years of continuous employment → PR (Permanent Residence)

✔ Must maintain valid work visa

✔ Must meet tax & good conduct requirements

Many workers start in unskilled roles and later move to:

• supervisor positions

• machine operators

• warehouse coordinators

• hospitality team leaders

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FAQs

1. Can foreigners apply for unskilled jobs in South Africa?

Yes — especially in farming, cleaning, hospitality, and logistics.

2. Do employers sponsor visas for unskilled workers?

Yes, through the General Work Visa or Corporate Visa.

3. What is the minimum salary for foreign workers?

Varies by industry but based on the national minimum wage.

4. Does South Africa offer free accommodation?

Farms and some hotels provide housing.

5. Can I get permanent residency?

Yes — after 5 years of consistent employment.

South Africa remains a strong choice for foreigners seeking unskilled employment with visa sponsorship in 2025. With growing demand in agriculture, hospitality, logistics, construction, and domestic roles, there are thousands of opportunities available. Employers offer competitive salaries, flexible contracts, and — for many roles — accommodation and meals.

If you’re looking for an accessible African country with both entry-level jobs and long-term growth potential, South Africa is an excellent option.