Linda van Tilburg (00: 08.136) has global turbulence in the Trump era and continued uncertainty in South Africa, and there are South Africans still exploring offshore options for the future. Participating in the studio is Sara Young of Sable International, an immigration expert, sheds light on what is possible. Hello Sarah, thank you for participating.
Sarah Young (00:29.676) Hello Linda, thank you for welcoming me.
Linda Van Tilburg (00:32.91) Can you start by discussing how recent global turbulence has affected South Africans who are interested in offshore opportunities?
Sarah Young (00:40.354) Yes, absolutely. I think the pace at which global change and change is happening is looking for a more stable and moving offshore option, especially South Africans who are hedging with weaker currencies. From my side, I am very specialized in residency and citizenship by investment.
So those looking for options outside of South Africa may not have a birthright or heritage option, allowing them to pursue alternatives. We continue to be interested in Europe as our destination. Many people, and more families, are now dispersed worldwide. So it's about what the next option is potentially: What will their next chapter after South Africa? and that can remain in the same time frame as South Africa so that it can operate in a more stable and secure global economy while potentially maintaining business hours, family ties, or relations with South Africa.
Linda Van Tillberg (01:50.157) What about foreigners living in the Gulf countries? Citizenship opportunities are limited. What options do they have?
Sarah Young (02:18.86) I think this is a very interesting foreign market. Because most South Africans moving to the Gulf do so for business purposes, employment opportunities and wealth. I think more families are looking at what the next stage is and where they go from there, looking at a permanent place. In many cases, instead of returning to your home country, you should consider alternative options.
Again, it could be determined specifically by the age of the child or family if you are looking at retirement as the next option, whether it is a greater business opportunity. I think more people based in the Gulf are also drawn to Europe due to the abundant opportunities, and there are more options for children, such as higher education. It is also attractive that the centralization of the world is not so much different time zones from home countries. Also, many Gulf-based British people view Europe as an option. Something like the Portuguese Golden Visa can be implemented along with current residencies and job opportunities available. It opens up some great options for chopting in the background and pointing the lines further down.
Linda Van Tillberg (03:38.388) What happens if you do that? What is the challenge? Is health insurance a problem and citizenship achievable?
Sarah Young (03:48.706) It depends on the country and route you want to pursue. For example, if you are taking it as a Portuguese resident, if you are able to protect it through a Portuguese residency, you will only be provided Portuguese medical care if you move to Portugal and physically move. But there is a great medical facility there. If you actually relocate and choose to live there, you can register with your Social Security number.
Though most foreigners choose to adopt private Portuguese health policies in the country to operate alongside options for seeking medical guidance from government facilities.
Lindavantillberg (04:35.85) What local options are available now for South Africans who are so attractive that their lifestyle is so appealing, but still seeking business freedom and global mobility?
Sarah Young (04:45.172) Yes, there are many opportunities for those who don't want to leave South Africa. South Africa is glorious. I have lived here for 15 years. When the sun shines here, it is absolutely spectacular. Why do you go elsewhere? At the same time, I have a British passport. I have the freedom to go to the airport and fly to most countries around the world. On the other hand, for South Africans, it remains a matter of business freedom and leisure freedom.
For example, if your children are studying abroad in the UK or Europe, more and more people are looking for higher education abroad. Do you know that you can go to the airport and get on a plane in case of an emergency to see them? Or you're looking for retirement options overseas or seeing more families becoming nomadic.
Therefore, with a strong passport and visa-free travel option, you can go to the UK for three months a year to spend time with your family, spend three months in Europe, and return to South Africa to enjoy a lovely long summer here. All of that can be achieved by holding a proper passport. In that type of situation, something like Grenada as a citizenship per investment can bring about great benefits. As I mentioned earlier, we have also seen turbulence in political and economic environments.
For those with their own business, seeking the right bid, partner, or negotiation power often requires a short notification trip abroad to meet the right people. It may not be promoted by your home passport. So, it's about looking at other options that allow you to be more flexible.
