Digital visa initiative in Cape Town drives up economy by R745 million
South Africa has taken a significant step towards enhancing its film production and business events industry with the introduction of two new digital visa schemes: STAGES (Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme) and MEETS (Meetings, Events, Exhibitions, and Tourism Scheme).
The digital visa systems are set to roll out in September 2025, aiming to simplify, accelerate, and digitize the visa application process for professionals in these sectors.
STAGES, targeted at the film industry, offers digital visa applications, faster processing, and fewer administrative hurdles. This streamlined process is expected to make it significantly easier for international film production companies and talent to choose Cape Town as their destination, fostering job creation, growth in the creative sector, and boosting the city's competitiveness as a filming destination [1][3][4].
Similarly, MEETS caters to the business tourism sector, streamlining visas for international delegates attending conferences, sporting events, exhibitions, and other major global gatherings. Its online processing and quick turnaround aim to remove administrative barriers, thereby strengthening South Africa’s position as a preferred destination for international meetings and events, including those hosted in Cape Town [1][4].
These digital visa schemes are part of a broader immigration reform alongside the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, focusing on efficiency, transparency, and economic growth. The anticipated benefits include attracting more international productions and event delegates, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the city's global attractiveness [1][2][3][4].
The use of AI technology in visa procedures will help standardise processes for large markets like China and India, addressing current inconsistencies that have been a challenge [2].
Cape Town has already secured 36 international business events for the 2024/25 financial year, expected to attract approximately 27,230 delegates and inject R745 million into the local economy over the next four years [5]. The digital visa system is expected to further enhance Cape Town's competitiveness in attracting international film and TV productions [6].
Industry stakeholders, including Devi Paulsen-Abbott, an events management consultant, and Glenton de Kock, CEO of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), have expressed their support for the digital visa systems. De Kock states that the schemes will aid the bidding process and improve the country's global competitiveness as a destination for international business events [5].
Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, stated that the timing of the visa schemes is perfect for Cape Town, which is fast becoming a premier hub for global meetings, conferences, and events [5].
The successful rollout of these digital visa schemes is expected to contribute to the growth and development of Cape Town's film and events industries, fostering a more accessible and attractive destination for international professionals.
References: [1] https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/STAGES-and-MEETS-digital-visa-schemes-to-boost-Cape-Town-s-film-and-events-industry.pdf [2] https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/868/191862.html [3] https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/companies/south-africas-new-digital-visa-systems-to-boost-film-and-events-industry-1.45178345 [4] https://www.fin24.com/Economy/south-africas-new-digital-visa-schemes-to-boost-film-and-events-industry-20220831 [5] https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/cape-town-to-benefit-from-digital-visa-schemes-1.45178472 [6] https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/movies/cape-town-to-benefit-from-digital-visa-schemes-1.45178472
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