JOBS

3POSTS

15 years ago

Hi!

I would like to know whether everybody who moved to Scotland from abroad had jobs arranged before they moved or did anybody move there first, and then looked for a job? Things in South Africa are so bad now that the sooner we can leave and move to Scotland the better - even if it means selling everything we own and taking a chance.

My partner has no qualifications but has 20years experience in the buiding and airconditioning fields. He is a handy-man (jack of all trades) and willing to accept any work. I have a BA Degree in CriminologyS through Unisa (May 2000). I have been a stay at home mom for five years but would be willing to work again. Are there half-day jobs as we have a six year old daughter and, as we will not know anybody I am worried about what to do (if I am w orking full day) with her after school is out.

We won,t have many funds available upon our arrrival so where would be the best cheapest towns for us to seek our first accomodation in? We will not be bringing any furniture with us so it would have to be something fully furnished.

Are good second hand cars relatively cheap there or pricey, like here in South Africa? I have read many of the comments on this forum but did not come across anything referring to the purchasing of vehicles.

We are determined about moving but as we have never moved abroad on a permanent basis, there are so many things to arrange (and consider!). We have done enquiries with Visalogic, First Contact and Global VIsas as we will be travelling on an Ancestry Visa. Any advice on the best one to use?

I thank you in advance for any information or advice. This is a great site! Fantastic information from REAL people experience!

Sally

The Scotland expat guide

Comprehensive and free

Read it now

Broomptish Active member

45POSTS

15 years ago

Hello amman I live in Glasgow which has its cheap areas. Rent for a cheap two bedroom furnished flat will be £250 a month at least, probably more and this will be in the rougher parts of town. If you can get on a housing list you can get accomodation a lot cheaper, but you need to wait a long time till you get these, or you can register homeless but im sure thats not an option. There are probably cheaper areas in Scotland to live than Glasgow as it is a big city but then you have higher chance of employment as a there is a lot of unemployment in Scotland, especially outwith the citys.

If your partner is willing to do any job he should find one in Glasgow, there are lots of employment agencys though there are a lot of foreign workers here now which has cut the rate of pay. Im sure you could get a part time job to suit your child but these jobs are in demand for the same reasons you have. Though im sure you could find one with effort.

You could get a second hand car for £200 but the insurance and petrol is expensive.

I dont know about visas as I was born here but I hope that helps, good luck!

sallyannpark Member

3POSTS

15 years ago

Thank you so much for your reply Broomptish. Glasgow is one of the places I am focusing on, but will research more on other places too, like Aberdeen. I guess it is all about attitude and effort, as you said, so I am sure we will find work. Are there good primary schools in glasgow? I suppose like anywhere, it is dependant on area. We will be travelling on an Ancestry Visa so will be eligible to work for five years legally, after which we will apply for indefinite leave to remain. Is the crime rate area specific in glasgow? Any areas you recommend us avoiding? I have been looking online at prices for accomodation and cars. Can you give me an approximate cost of the insurance on a car?I read that your public transportation system is quite good so it is not a major priority to get a car immediately once there. Is that correct?

I have no further questions yet and am researching every aspect I can think of. Thank you again for your response. You live in a truly beautiful country - even with the rain, cold and wind. I cant wait to get there!

Have a super day!

Broomptish Active member

45POSTS

15 years ago

I cant wait to get away from here lol

Aberdeen may be a bit cheaper than Glasgow though I dont know for sure. There are lots of decent schools in Glasgow. I suppose crime is specific to certain areas. I would avoid Govanhill and a lot of the east end tbh Govanhill is pretty bad for crime and general scummy behaviour, though the areas riight next to it can be nice. I have no idea about car insurance as I dont have a drivers licence it depends on age and your history, I know my cousin had to recently give up his car as it was too expensive for him to run. I was going to get a driving license but lessons were £21 for an hours lesson and it just seemed like a big expense to learn, then my plans changed and im planning on emigratting, im not sure if your african drivers licence will be valid in this country, maybe something to look into, sure you can get international drivers licence from your country.

Glasgow has excellent public transport, loads of regular buses trains and a small underground network. One of the best public transport systems in Britan maybe second to London, I have been in european citys and american citys and indian citys and Glasgow has excellent public transport in comparison to the places ive visited, if your in Glasgow city you wont need a car straight away!

sallyannpark Member

3POSTS

15 years ago

Hi all! Have still been researching everything about moving to Scotland from South Africa and came across some confusing information. The site I was on said that South Africans do not require visas for 6 months to go to Scotland. Does this mean we can move to Scotland, then once there, apply for an Ancestry and Spousal Dependancy visas? All the different information gets confusing. Am waiting for replies to this from the various Immigration agencies but thought I would also ask you guys. Also, there are so many different visa agencies we dont know which one would be the best...Global Visas, 1st Contact, Visa Logic or Visa First? Any South Africans out there who can offer opinions on this?