The Department of Home Affairs has invited accredited domestic event organisers to participate in its Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme (MEETS). The scheme has been designed to fast-track visa applications for international delegates attending industry-specific events in South Africa.
MEETS is one of two accreditation-based visas announced in November 2025. The second is the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES).
To qualify for MEETS, organisations must satisfy three criteria:
- Adhere to regulatory requirements in the MEETS sector
- Promote employment of South Africans
- Demonstrate sufficient administrative capacity to facilitate group visa applications for registered events
Similar to STAGES, a scorecard will be used to assess membership applications with the following requirements:
- Organisers must meet the first two criteria to be shortlisted and achieve a minimum score of 120 points to be approved.
- Applications will be evaluated by an inter-departmental committee comprising the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Trade Industry and Competition and other relevant government departments.
- The Department of Home Affairs has 60 days from the date of submission to make a final selection. Approved organisers will pay a fee for international visitors attending events registered on the MEETS platform.
There is no closing date for expressions of interest but organisers are advised to register at least four months before the event takes place.
Once approved, accredited organisers will be able to submit bulk visa applications using the online platform.
More information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. Enquiries should be directed to MEETS@dha.gov.za.
