Immigration services extend into Africa

Investment immigration allows entrepreneurs and executives to invest in certain countries in exchange for residency status or citizenship. Harvey Law Group (HLG) has recently opened an office in Johannesburg to expand its reach into Africa. 

HLG offers a range of residency and citizenship-by-investment programmes and operates in over 22 countries. "In South Africa, we will be focusing on investment-based programmes for high net worth individuals who don't necessarily want to leave the country but want to secure a plan B for themselves and their families. We provide them with global mobility. It's a risk management strategy for those with a lot to protect,” says HLG senior lawyer Stefano Migliore. 

The local firm will serve those entering the country too. According to Statistics South Africa almost 900 000 people immigrated to South Africa from other African countries between 2016 and 2021, and nearly 50 000 came from Asia. In the same period, approximately 91 000 South Africans left the country. 

HLG managing partner: Southeast Asia and Africa Bastien Trelcat adds that South Africa is an important location for the company. "Not only are there a significant number of individuals with the means to invest in a second citizenship, but the country is an excellent Plan B option for other nationalities for many reasons. It is the second largest economy on the continent, and half of the African companies that earn more than $1-billion annually are in South Africa."