South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has invited film and production organisations to submit expressions of interest for admission to the new Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) aiming to streamline digital visa processes for foreign cast, crew and production staff.
STAGES, along with a similar scheme for the MICE industry, was first announced by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber in July.
The call for expressions of interest, gazetted on November 10, outlines key details about the functioning of STAGES and the criteria for accreditation.
STAGES will function similarly to South Africa’s Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) and Trusted Employer Scheme – allowing accredited film industry federations and associations to submit bulk visa applications.
“The process will entail reduced requirements for visa applications from the film industry – based on predictable, reasonable criteria – without consuming excessive administrative capacity or time,” the gazette states.
Two scorecard systems have been created to assess applications: one for South African-based organisations and the other for foreign-based organisations. Both pathways assess criteria such as legal compliance, length of operating experience, number of film projects facilitated and the economic impact of previous productions based on the amount of annual foreign direct expenditure attracted.
Details for the scoring systems are as follows:
South Africa-based applicants must reach a minimum threshold of 120 out of 140 points for selection into STAGES while the minimum threshold for foreign-based applicants is 150 out of 170.
Once approved, organisations will be required to pay a processing fee of R1 520 (US$89) per submission of between one and 25 digital visa applications.
Expressions of interest and supporting documentation can be submitted through the Department of Home Affairs portal at touroperator.dha.gov.za or via email to stages@dha.gov.za. The closing date for applications is December 10.
Andreas Krensel, Senior Director of Africa and Europe at IBN Immigration Solutions, said the STAGES alignment with the Trusted Employer Scheme and TTOS frameworks bodes well for increased investment in the film sector.
“This approach has already proven successful in encouraging inward investment and STAGES is now applying it to one of South Africa’s most economically promising industries. While the system is still in its early phase, it offers a clear signal of intent from the Department of Home Affairs to modernise and to position South Africa as a destination where global productions can operate efficiently and legally.”
