LMS_Going

Within your own frame of reference you will have an opinion on the situation back home. It might be a positive one, or, as many will argue these days, a negative one. South Africans in London have been accused of running away from problems and deserting their homeland. Probably heard it all before! It is, however, a fact that some (definitely not all) justify their decision to be here, or to stay on as long as possible, by always pointing to all the perceived negative things going on in South Africa (affirmative action, crime, violence, etc.). Everyone is obviously entitled to their way of thinking, but at some stage it might be best to realise that South Africa actually really needs all the help it can get - and in what better way than more experienced and worldlywise individuals returning to South Africa? This argument could stand completely on its own, but there are still very good opportunities in South Africa. The ideal would be to see your London experience as Henry Ward Beecher puts it:

“It is not the going out of a port, but the coming in, that determines the success of a voyage”

Which coincidentally brings us to … shipping!

Shipping

You will probably gather more stuff during your time in London than you arrived with. At some stage you will start thinking about sending some of it home.

Parcel Force: From 14 October 2002 contract customers using inter-national services will be charged on a parcel's volumetric weight or actual weight - whichever is heavier.

To work out the volumetric weight simply multiply the length, breadth and height of the parcel in centimetres and then divide the result by 6000. You should then enter the heavier weight into the weight box of the pricing calculator. www.postoffice.co.uk

The same will apply for other suppliers of this service: quotations may be obtained online at www.inlondon.com - click on ‘Going home’.

More contact numbers in the Directory

Last things last

Make sure that you claim back your tax well in advance, since it can take ages - apply at least one month before leaving. It is difficult to put pressure on them once back in South Africa. Thus make sure you do what you can do while still in London.

If you want to ship your things home and you need them on arrival, ship at least eight weeks before departure. Shop around and make double sure about insurance.

Sort out lease arrangements with your landlord one month before leaving the UK.

Book flights at least two months in advance, especially in peak times.

Remember that the weight limit on baggage for planes is about 22kg, depending on the airline. They may allow a few extra kilograms, but just don't push your luck. They can charge heavy penalties on excessive weight, or you will have to leave it behind.

Don't leave without letters of reference. They will be invaluable for any job application in South Africa.

Keep in mind that import tax might be levied on any article bought in the UK when you enter South Africa. This is only applicable to items that were bought within the six months prior to entering South Africa. It is your duty to declare any such items at customs, failing which (should they discover you are in possession of an item worth declaring that you didn’t declare) they can impose a hefty fine on top of the normal import tax. Normally they are only bothered about electrical equipment, such as video cameras, cameras and musical equipment.

Always try and claim VAT back on any products bought in the UK.

"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow"

- Lin Yutang –

South African Airways’ Office

*St. Georges House 61, Conduit St. (?walk from Piccadilly Circus down into Regent St. – 3^rd street left), London, W1R 0NE. Tel: 020 7312 5000 Fax: 020 7312 5009

Contact numbers for Airlines in Directory

It's all over ... or is it?

As you near the end of your visa period you should start to consider your options of either going home (and what you are going to do there) or extending your stay in the UK. Surprisingly, you are spoilt for choice to stay on, although it may well not always fulfil your exact desires.

Visa Extensions

A six-month extension is normally granted on a two-year working visa, BUT you will not be allowed to work on this visa. The reality of the matter is that this prohibition on work is more theoretical than practical and many continue with their jobs while on an extension. If you are caught working without a work permit, you will not necessarily be deported (as is the case when this is completely illegal). Your employer will be fined an unpleasant £5 000.

Staying On Illegally

Staying on or working illegally in London is obviously not suggested or encouraged, and is most certainly frowned on by those on holy high horses. It is, however, a reality that several individuals overstay their welcome for certain personal reasons. There are jobs to be found without a visa, but if caught you will definitely be deported, and you will probably never see the inside of the UK again. Your employer will also be fined an unpleasant £5 000.

Student Visa

Probably the first consideration when someone wants to stay longer is to apply for a student visa. You are allowed to work 20 hours per week during term times (±8 months per annum) and as much as you want during holidays (±4 months per annum). Again, once in London (or the UK) you can basically do what you like. When applying for a student visa you must prove that you have already been accepted at an educational institution. Read more about Student Visas.

IMPI will be able to assist you in applying for a student visa.

www.breytenbachs.co.uk, Tel: 020 7499 3111.

You can take up courses from the Universities of Potchefstroom & the Free State at the Commonwealth Academy.

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