When youth are leaving South Africa for work abroad, they typically need to have several documents notarised to meet the requirements of their destination country and prospective employer. The specific documents can vary based on the country they are moving to and the job they are taking up, but common documents include:
Key Documents to Notarise
- Passport Copies: A notarised copy of their passport for identification purposes.
- Educational Certificates: Notarised copies of degrees, diplomas, and other educational qualifications.
- Professional Certificates: Notarised copies of professional certifications and licenses, if applicable.
- Employment Contract: The employment contract offered by the foreign employer may need to be notarised.
- Police Clearance Certificate: A notarised police clearance certificate to prove they have no criminal record.
- Medical Certificates: Notarised medical examination reports or health certificates, if required by the destination country.
- Birth Certificate: A notarised copy of the birth certificate for identification and verification purposes.
- Work Visa and Permits: Some countries require notarised copies of work visas or permits.
- Letter of Employment: A notarised letter from the South African employer (if applicable), stating the nature of the job and the duration of employment abroad.
- Affidavits: Any required affidavits, such as proof of financial support or sponsorship, may need to be notarised.
Steps to Get Documents Notarised
- Prepare Original Documents: Gather all the original documents that need notarisation.
- Make Copies: Make clear copies of the documents to be notarised.
- Visit a Notary Public: Take both the original documents and copies to a registered notary public.
- Verification and Notarisation: The notary public will verify the authenticity of the original documents and notarise the copies by stamping and signing them.
- Apostille (if necessary): For countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, you may need to get an apostille. This can be done at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in South Africa.
Tips for a Smooth Process
- Check Specific Requirements: Always check the specific requirements of the destination country, as they can vary. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country to ensure you have all the necessary documentation.
- Translation: If the destination country’s official language is different from the language of your documents, you may need to get them translated and notarised by a certified translator.
- Plan Ahead: Notarisation and apostille processes can take time, so plan ahead to avoid delays.
By ensuring all necessary documents are properly notarised, youth leaving South Africa for work abroad can facilitate a smoother transition and avoid potential legal and administrative issues. If you need assistance with notarising your documents or have any questions, feel free to contact us.