Home Affairs set to launch two new visas in South Africa
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced that the department plans to launch two new digital visas soon.
South Africa will roll out two new digital visas to boost the country’s appeal as a hub for international film productions and major global events.
Minister Leon Schreiber revealed the upcoming visa initiatives during the Home Affairs budget vote in Parliament, according to BusinessTech.
Called STAGES and MEETS, these new visa programs will streamline processes and unlock billions in potential revenue for the country.
New STAGES and MEETS visas for South Africa
STAGES, short for Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme, will offer a streamlined visa process for film and television crews.
Schreiber emphasised the urgency of modernisation, citing a recent example where South Africa lost out on a R400 million Netflix production from Mexico due to clunky, paper-based systems.
“But thanks to STAGES, companies will now be able to apply via a dedicated online portal, receive visa decisions within hours, and will no longer be required to visit missions in person abroad,” Schreiber said, as per BusinessTech.
The second initiative, MEETS, which stands for Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme, targets global event organisers.
Despite South Africa’s reputation as a premier events destination, visa delays have long been a pain point for international attendees.
MEETS will basically allow participants of conferences, expos, sporting events, and festivals to apply for visas digitally, with promises of quick turnaround times.