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Saudi’s national employment targets leave many South African expatriates high and dry

South Africans are among a growing number of global expatriates in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who are forced to return home due to strict local employment targets. Commonly known as Saudization and Emiratisation , these policies aim to increase and ensure more jobs are filled by Saudi and UAE nationals. Mbalenhle...
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Returning to South Africa? SARS is Waiting for Expats Coming Home

Be it the call of South Africa’s pleasant weather, a desire to raise a family close to parents, or retiring to the high-life, many thousands of South African expats elect to return home every year. No matter the reasons for repatriation, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) wants to know the finer details of when...
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5 Common Misconceptions That Expats Must Know About

What is a Double Taxation Agreement (“DTA”)? A DTA is a legal and binding bi-lateral treaty between two countries that specifies which country’s tax authority holds the right to tax you on your earnings. In other words, where you are tax resident in one country and earning income in another, a DTA will determine taxing...
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DTA Between SA and UAE | Tax Showdown: United Arab Emirates vs. South Africa – Expats, have you thought about this battle?

DTA between SA and UAE - Thinking about trading South Africa’s sunny shores for the UAE’s dazzling skyline? You’re not alone! Many are drawn to the UAE for its attractive salaries, rich cultural heritage, and impressively low crime rates. Plus, it's a thriving First World economy. But before you pack your bags, remember one crucial...
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Foreign Tax Credits – Welcome Surprise or Snare for Wealthy South African Taxpayers?

In an exciting recent development, National Treasury published a set of draft Tax and Revenue Law Amendment Bills, together with accompanying Explanatory Memorandums thereto, for public comment. These draft Bills contained a host of robust proposed changes to tighten certain loopholes and inconsistencies in South Africa’s tax laws. Richan Schwellnus Tax Attorney While many of...
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DTA between SA and UK – If Home Is Where the Heart Is, Where Is Your Tax Residency?

DTA between SA and UK - South Africans see many positives in leaving the shores of the rainbow nation to find a new home in the United Kingdom (UK). There are various push and pull factors that come into the picture, pull factors being the power of the pound, a stable economy, no loadshedding, while...
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Residency Recommencement Considerations – What South Africans Returning Home Need to Know

Historically, hundreds of thousands of South Africans have relocated to various foreign countries seeking greener pastures. Officially, Stats SA’s March 2024 Migration Profile Report recorded that almost a million South Africans were living and working abroad by 2020. This number increased from more than 743 000 expatriates residing abroad in 2010. Delano Abdoll Legal Manager:...
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Meddling in Others’ Affairs: The Department of Home Affairs’ “Tax Policy” Amendment

The Department of Home Affairs’ (the DHA) recent amendments to Immigration Regulations are likely to spark controversy among South African taxpayers, especially expatriates working abroad, who are still diligently fulfilling their South African tax obligations. Delano Abdoll Legal Manager: Cross-Boarder Taxation Bronwin Human Tax Attorney at Tax Consulting SA These amendments, which are aimed at...
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Tax Planning for Repatriation: A Non-Resident’s Toolkit to Returning Home

With the euphoria of living abroad wearing off for many South Africans, a growing number of expatriates are drawn back by the allure of a vibrant cultural scene, inviting temperate climate, and favorable exchange rates. Delano Abdoll Legal Manager: Cross-Boarder Taxation Khutso Makgoka Legal Consultant: Expatriate tax However, the return journey poses challenges for those...
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Expats, You’re Using a DTA Across the Border; What About Your Precious Funds

As of 24 April 2023, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) changed the rules by which taxpayers have to play when it comes to applying for funds to be transferred internationally. If you have not heard by now, SARS’ introduction of a new dynamic application called Approval International Transfer (AIT) is enhanced and involves a...