South Africa's Mouse, Hospitality and Film sectors have welcomed the introduction of two new visa categories to take a step forward in the country's efforts to facilitate access and enhance inbound tourism.
This follows the announcement by Home Minister Leon Schreiber that his department prioritizes implementing meetings, events and tourism schemes (conferences) aimed at streamlining visas for mouse travelers, as well as implementing screen talent and global entertainment schemes (stages) targeting film production companies.
“The South African business events industry has long sought for actual reforms to the visa system that has been hampered by delays, administrative burdens and unpredictable timelines,” said Glenton de Cock, CEO of the South African Congress Association (SAACI). “These schemes will ensure the South African events industry has the policy support it needs to compete globally.”
De Kock said the transition to an automated, data-driven visa system will allow conference organizers to confidently pitch large international events.
“We are pleased that our work and engagement have brought about this advancement. This will help the bidding process. This change will increase accessibility and increase the country's global competitiveness as a destination for international business events.”
Fedhasa Chairman Rosemary Anderson said Meets Visa will unlock further possibilities for the South African mouse sector, which was valued at R120 billion in 2023.
“The rich culture, world-class facilities and natural beauty of South Africa can position us as the best mouse destination, but only if the red tape is removed.
Benefits for movie tourism
Rudi Riek, CEO of Film Industry Visa Assistance (FIVA), welcomed the introduction of the stage following a “month consultation” with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“This pioneering digital visa initiative illustrates an important step in streamlining international screen talent and access to crews, reflecting FIVA's continued commitment to enabling growth within the creative production sector and reducing deficits,” he said.
Lance Gibbons, director of the Film Locating Platform Film Set, described the stage as a “encouraging step” following the challenges associated with the continued implementation of South Africa's filmmaking incentive schemes.
“Unfortunately, the incentive scheme that once made us the top destination for projects from around the world has become a serious disappointment plagued by administrative hiccups, policy changes and widespread Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) regulations.
Foreign film and television production and post-production incentives managed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Competition apply to projects with minimum values (719 000 euros) that meet the BBBEE requirements at least level 3.
Building on progress
The Visa scheme is built on several initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs over the past year under Schreiber's leadership to streamline access to various key sectors and markets.
South Africa's remote occupational visa targeting digital nomads was officially gazetted in October 2024, and a reliable tour operator scheme was introduced in February, with the aim of streamlining tour groups visas from China and India.
The stage and meeting are being developed in conjunction with the electronic travel certification system, which is scheduled to be launched under the Ministry of Home Affairs' Digitalization and Automation Strategy in September.
De Kock urged the digital visa transition to match “robust implementation and extensive communication” to ensure potential beneficiaries are aware of the benefits.
“Saaci supports this development by providing feedback mechanisms to its members and helping to bridge the gap between policy and practice. We recognize that encounters are an important enabler for the sector and working closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other stakeholders to advocate for industry needs and do this work,” he said.
