South Africa’s MICE, hospitality and film sectors have welcomed the introduction of two new visa categories as a step forward in the country’s efforts to ease access and bolster inbound tourism.
This follows Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber’s announcement that his department is prioritising the implementation of a Meetings, Events and Tourism Scheme (MEETS) – aimed at streamlining visas for MICE travellers – and the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES), targeted at film production companies.
“South Africa’s business events industry has long called for practical reforms to the visa system hampered by delays, high administrative burdens and unpredictable timelines,” said Glenton de Kock, CEO of the Southern African Association for the Conferencing Industry (SAACI). “With these schemes, South Africa’s events industry has the policy support it needs to compete globally.”
De Kock said the shift towards automated, data-driven visa systems will allow conference organisers to confidently pitch for large-scale international events.
“We are pleased that our work and engagements have yielded this progress, which will aid our bidding process. The changes will enhance accessibility and improve the country’s global competitiveness as a destination for international business events.”
FEDHASA Chairperson Rosemary Anderson said the MEETS visa will further unlock the potential of South Africa’s MICE sector, which was valued at R120 billion in 2023.
“South Africa's rich culture, world-class facilities and natural beauty can position us as a premier MICE destination – but only if the red tape is removed. The MEETS visa is a major stride in that direction,” she said.
A boon for film tourism
Rudi Riek, CEO of Film Industry Visa Assistance (FIVA), welcomed the introduction of STAGES following “months of consultation” with the Department of Home Affairs.
“This pioneering digital visa initiative marks a significant step toward streamlining access for international screen talent and crew. It reflects FIVA’s ongoing commitment to enabling growth and reducing red tape within the creative production sector,” he said.
Lance Gibbons, Director of film location scouting platform Filmset, described STAGES as a “reassuring step forward” following challenges with ongoing implementation of South Africa’s film production incentive scheme.
“Unfortunately, the incentive scheme – which once made us a premier destination for projects from around the world – has become a significant disappointment, plagued by administrative hiccups, policy changes and broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) regulations. It is truly refreshing to see government taking smart initiatives to support and enable the film industry to attract international productions once again.”
The Foreign Film and Television Production and Post-Production Incentive, administered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, applies to projects with a minimum value of R15 million (€719 000) that meet at least Level 3 B-BBEE requirements.
Building on progress
The visa schemes build on several initiatives implemented by the Department of Home Affairs over the past year, under Schreiber’s leadership, to streamline access for various key sectors and markets.
South Africa’s remote work visa – targeted at digital nomads – was formally gazetted in October 2024 while the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, aimed at streamlining visas for tour groups from China and India, was introduced in February.
STAGES and MEETS are being developed in tandem with the electronic travel authorisation system, which is set to launch in September under the Department of Home Affairs’ digitalisation and automation strategy.
De Kock urged the digital visa transition to be matched by “robust implementation and wide-reaching communication” to ensure potential beneficiaries are aware of the benefits.
“SAACI will be supporting this rollout by providing feedback mechanisms for members and helping to bridge the gap between policy and practice. We recognise that MEETS will be a vital enabler for the sector, and will continue to work closely with the Department of Home Affairs and other stakeholders to advocate for the industry’s needs and to make this work,” he said.
