Cape Town - Post Report Question and Answers
What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Consulate has a number of positions. - Apr 2021
Local salaries are definitely lower than UK/US, owing to huge unemployment and lower cost of living. If you have a particular rare skill, you could find work, but for people with common skills, there are many local people looking for work with lower salary expectations than you have! Telecommuting to Europe is easy because of the time zone. - Feb 2018
Because of the State Department EFM hiring freeze consulate jobs for spouses are hard to come by. There is a reciprocal work agreement with South Africa, but because unemployment is so high locally it may be difficult to convince a local company to hire a foreigner unless you have a unique skill set. Be aware that local laws incentivize hiring black South Africans. - Oct 2017
Not really. - May 2014
Most spouses here have small kids and are at home or find volunteer opportunities. There are a few jobs available at the Consulate. While there is a work agreement for diplomatic spouses, the South African rate of unemployment is high and salaries are not communsurate with the U.S. - Aug 2013
No - job protection is in effect due to high unemployment, so it is very difficult to get a working visa in most occupations. - Oct 2007
