NHI law drives health workers and retirees to consider immigration

President Cyril Ramaphosa enacted the NHI law during the election campaign, representing the biggest shake-up in South Africa’s healthcare system since the dawn of democracy. Critics have warned that the scheme is hugely expensive and could fuel corruption, with opposition parties describing it as a "death warrant" for healthcare in South Africa. Group International Director of Sable International, Andrew Rissik, told BizNews that the policy has raised concerns among healthcare workers and those considering retirement, leading many to explore international options for alternative healthcare systems. He noted that South African private healthcare is relatively expensive compared to countries like Portugal and Malta, where supplemented private insurance is more affordable. Rissik also discusses the turbulent years of the investment migration industry, with several European countries clamping down on golden visas, but says there are still options for those looking for a plan B, including the US EB-5 visa, "which is still going strong," and countries like Portugal and Greece, which offer "attractive residency and retirement visas."