South Africa's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced two new digital visa schemes (phase and conference) aimed at strengthening the country's appeal as a major destination for film production and global events. Announced by Minister Leon Schreiber during the Home Affairs Budget voting, the initiative streamlines visa access for international film crews and participants at large events such as conferences and sports tournaments. Stages (screen talent and global entertainment schemes) are designed to encourage production companies' rapid visa approvals, while meetings (conferences, events, exhibitions, tourism schemes) allow faster online processing of event participants.
The new visa coincides with a broader effort to position South Africa as a competitive hub for culture, sports and business tourism, with support from the city of Cape Town. The event, held in Cape Town over the next few years, is projected to generate R745 million due to economic impact and attract more than 27,000 delegates by 2028. Complementing these efforts, HomeAffairs has deployed an electronic travel approval (ETA) system by September and is expanding its trustworthy tour operator scheme (TTO). These measures support tourism growth and job creation across the industry.
Read more | DHA Budget Speech
Source: BusinessTech | Ministry of Home Affairs
