South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has announced two new visas aimed at boosting the country’s appeal as a filming location and events hub, generating enthusiasm within the industry. 

Minister Leon Schreiber introduced the “pioneering digital visa schemes” – STAGES (Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme) and MEETS (Meetings, Events, and Exhibitions Tourism Scheme) – during a recent Home Affairs budget vote debate in Parliament.

Schreiber stated that the STAGES visa initiative “will simplify visa access for film production companies”. “Currently, outdated and paper-based systems hinder the industry. In just one example, a major Netflix production from Mexico was lost due to visa delays, costing South Africa an estimated R400 million in lost income. 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.”

The Commercial Producers Association (CPA) welcomed the initiative. CPA Chairperson Bobby Amm said, “The CPA welcomes the initiative by the DHA to bring all applications online and to enable visitors from countries that require visas to apply in this way rather than to have to go into South African embassies abroad. A legislative environment which cuts back on red tape and is perceived as welcoming is always well received by foreign investors.”

Rosemary Anderson, National Chairperson of FEDHASA, expressed her support, stating it was “refreshing and heartwarming to witness a Minister who so clearly understands, in practical terms, how our outdated visa regime has been costing South Africa dearly. The STAGES and MEETS visa categories are not just policy reforms – they are powerful economic enablers that signal to the world that South Africa is truly open for business.”

Anderson highlighted the immense global economic potential of being ‘film-friendly.’ 

She noted that Canada has reaped enormous benefits from its streamlined visa processes and incentives for filmmakers, generating over C$11.3 billion (R155 billion) in direct film and TV production spending in 2022 alone. Similarly, Georgia has seen a 250% increase in foreign film productions over five years, thanks in part to its efficient visa and incentive programmes.

“South Africa, with its stunning locations and skilled crews, is exceptionally well-placed to emulate this success,” Anderson explained. “In 2019/2020, our film sector contributed R7.2 billion to the economy – a figure which has since declined due to both COVID-19 and administrative delays. These new reforms give us every reason to believe we can not only recover but soar.”

Lance Gibbons, director of the film location scouting platform Filmset, described STAGES as a “reassuring step forward” following challenges with the 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.”

FIVA, a non-profit organisation dedicated to facilitating the entry of foreign nationals into South Africa for filming and modeling purposes, said that the STAGES visa initiative is the result of its sustained and strategic lobbying efforts on behalf of the South African film and television industry. 

FIVA CEO Rudi Riek stated, This pioneering digital visa initiative, introduced by the Department of Home Affairs after months of consultation, 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.

“More detailed information on how STAGES will operate in practice will be shared with our stakeholders in the coming months. We remain engaged with the department to ensure the scheme meets the real-world needs of the industry,” Riek added.