Exploring the impact of international work experience on competitiveness and employability of South African returnees

Abstract

This study looks at the effects of international work experience on the career competitiveness and employability of the South African returnees. The topic is growing more important than ever as skills migrants shape the global labour market. Based on Career Capital Theory, the study looks at whether getting international exposure leads to the development of human capital, social capital, and motivational capital. Further, it gauges the influence of accumulated career capital on returnees' careers upon their return to the South African labour market. The aim of the study was to (1) assess to what extent international work experience enhances valuable work skills, (2) evaluate perceived benefits or detriments to one's career upon return, (3) identify the workplace challenges faced when returning, and (4) identify necessary support and policy measures to better attract, retain and integrate globally experienced talent. A quantitative research design was employed, using a structured online survey distributed to South African professionals who had worked abroad for a minimum of two years and returned within the last decade. The final sample comprised returnees across diverse sectors, and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential techniques to identify patterns across skill development, employability perceptions, career progression, and reintegration experiences. The findings suggest that international work experience shapes strategic decision-making skills, leadership ability, cross-cultural communication capabilities and technical skills upon the accumulation of strong career capital. Many returnees face reintegration challenges like skill underutilisation which prevent maximum use of this capital and salary mismatch all of which act as a significant negative moderator of the IWE career benefits realisation. As a result, it suggests the IWE serves as a potent internal resource but an inconsistent external signal in the South African labour market. Participants stressed the need for stronger policy framew