Johannesburg - 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?

EFM jobs are few and far between at the Consulate, and even when a good fit opens up, it can take up to a year to complete the hiring process. A lot of EFMs who have a financial need to work end up applying for positions at the Embassy instead, and then just embrace the long daily commute. For some reason, the hiring process at the Embassy always seems to go much faster than it does at the Consulate… - Aug 2022


Most spouses work at the mission when they can. - Jun 2022


Most spouses who work do so in the consulate. Working on the local economy is not easy, I understand, due to regulations and permits. - Apr 2017


it's hard to get a visa to work on the local economy, but it seems it's possible but can take a long time if it's not done through an inter-co. transfer. - Aug 2011


I think it's hard to get a job because of the whole work-permit situation. Most spouses of government employees end up working at the consulate or the embassy. However, depending on your skill set, jobs are available on the local economy I have American friends who are not affiliated with the U.S. Govt. who had no problem finding a job. - Jul 2010


Lots to volunteer at. The American School always needs good subs. - Oct 2009


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