In a significant reform of immigration, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has launched two innovative digital visa systems STAGES and MEETS to enable international creatives and event professionals to access visas more easily. These developments are part of the overall Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to modernise South Africa’s antiquated immigration models.
What Are STAGES and MEETS?
STAGES (Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme) is aimed squarely at the film, TV and entertainment sectors, allowing production crews and artists to:
- Apply online in full without stepping inside embassies.
- Get decisions in hours.
- Avoid the delays that cost productions millions in the past – for instance, a Netflix production lost R400 million for South Africa because of issues with visa processes.
MEETS (Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme) supports the MICE sector, sports teams and cultural delegations. It provides:
- Quick, online visa processing.
- Smooth entry for majorly undertaken events like the SA20 cricket tournament and World Rugby Sevens.
- Accessibility for international participants attending conferences and exhibitions.
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Why It Matters
The anticipated visa reforms will support economic growth, job opportunities and the international competitiveness of the MICE and film industries. In the last financial year, the MICE sector meant R120 billion of South Africa’s GDP and the film industry R7.2 billion in 2019/20. These two sectors can be expected to bounce back with less customer friction in the visa process.
What’s Next?
Although an official launch date has not been confirmed, it is expected that STAGES and MEETS will run by the end of 2025 or early 2026, along with the ETA for tourists.
