JOB DESCRIPTION – Internal and External Immigration Officer
Location: Sandton
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: CEO Dananda
Experience Required: 10+ Years in Immigration Law or Immigration Services
Travel: Domestic and International (as required)
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly experienced Internal and External Immigration Officer with over 10 years of direct experience in immigration processes, regulations, and compliance. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the organization’s immigration operations, including securing work permits, visas, and residency for employees across international borders. This position focuses on first-hand dealings with government bodies and direct immigration sources, avoiding reliance on third-party intermediaries.
As the primary point of contact, the role will involve both internal management of employee immigration needs and external outreach to foreign governments, embassies, and immigration agencies. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of handling complex immigration cases independently.
Key Responsibilities:
Internal Immigration Management:
- End-to-end management of immigration processes for employees, including obtaining work permits, visas, residency permits, and other required documentation for international assignments.
- Compliance monitoring: Ensure that all internal immigration activities comply with relevant local, regional, and international immigration laws.
- Provide expert immigration guidance to HR and hiring teams for employees moving across borders.
- Develop and implement immigration policies and procedures to ensure smooth and efficient employee relocation processes.
- Conduct training and workshops for internal teams to ensure they understand immigration regulations and policies.
- Maintain a database of employees’ immigration statuses and ensure timely renewals of visas, work permits, and other relevant documents.
External Immigration Responsibilities:
- Work directly with government agencies, embassies, and consulates to obtain immigration permits and resolve any issues that arise, bypassing third-party intermediaries.
- Conduct field visits to consulates, immigration offices, and border agencies when necessary to ensure timely processing of applications.
- Act as the company’s representative and liaison during face-to-face negotiations or discussions with immigration officials.
- Establish and maintain relationships with international government bodies and immigration authorities to expedite and streamline immigration processes.
- Handle urgent or high-priority immigration cases, personally managing the progress and troubleshooting any complications.
Compliance and Legal Expertise:
- Keep up-to-date with the latest changes in immigration laws and policies in countries relevant to the company’s operations.
- Ensure full compliance with visa and immigration regulations for all international workers, mitigating the risk of legal penalties or employee disruptions.
- Manage audits and inspections related to immigration practices and employee documentation by internal or external authorities.
- Provide strategic recommendations on immigration policy to senior leadership and HR teams, ensuring legal risks are minimized.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Prepare and review documentation required for visa applications, including letters of support, financial documents, and legal records.
- Create detailed immigration reports for management on the status of ongoing cases, upcoming renewals, and changes in laws affecting the company’s operations.
- Maintain confidential and accurate employee immigration records and documentation for audit purposes.
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in immigration services, immigration law, or international HR with a focus on obtaining permits and visas without third-party agents.
- Proven track record of direct engagement with government immigration agencies, embassies, and consulates.
- In-depth knowledge of immigration laws, regulations, and procedures across multiple jurisdictions.
- Strong understanding of corporate immigration and the management of expatriate workers.
- Experience in managing complex immigration cases and handling high-volume immigration activities.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple cases simultaneously, and maintain meticulous attention to detail.
Key Skills:
- Expert knowledge of immigration laws and policies in multiple countries, including work visas, permits, and residency requirements.
- Strong negotiation skills for dealing with foreign governments and immigration officials.
- Ability to navigate bureaucratic processes and find solutions for complex immigration challenges.
- Proactive approach in handling immigration matters, ensuring minimal delays or disruptions in employee relocations.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex immigration issues to employees and management.
- Problem-solving capabilities in a fast-paced environment, particularly when faced with regulatory hurdles or complex cases.
- Fluency in [Language(s)], with additional language proficiency a plus.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Legal certification in immigration law or related areas is highly desirable.
- Previous experience working within a multinational corporation or government organization with a focus on international employment.
- Ability to travel as required for on-site immigration services and direct dealings with foreign immigration officials.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a dynamic, globally-oriented team that values proactive leadership in immigration services.
- Work in an environment that prioritizes direct, efficient interaction with immigration authorities to achieve timely results.
- Contribute to a company that supports the global mobility of its employees and offers opportunities for professional growth in the field of immigration and compliance.
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience in direct immigration services and your approach to managing complex immigration cases without third-party involvement.
This role is ideal for seasoned immigration professionals who prefer hands-on work with government bodies and a proactive approach to international employment. If you have extensive experience in managing immigration processes from source to solution and thrive in a fast-paced, globally-focused environment, we encourage you to apply.
Email your CV to lorraineb@dananda.net
