All applicants needed to leverage this concession in a letter issued by the CPA and its partner organisations. The Film Industry Visa Assistance (FIVA) office was formed to handle the admin. FIVA processes about 12 000 letters per year, providing a lifeline to local companies that wouldn’t otherwise be practical partners for foreign stakeholders.

Until recently, challenges remained that made filming difficult for production companies and international clients. For instance, as directors and DOPs fall into the specialist group, they were required to pre-apply for visas in their country of residence.

Another challenge was that each visa was made out in the name of the company that had applied, meaning that the only work the specialist could undertake was for that company. If the specialist wanted to work on another job while in South Africa, they’d have to return to their country of residence and reapply.

Home Affairs recently agreed to allow all production-related applicants to apply for a three-year visa that’s processed within 10 days. This allows applicants to move between jobs without reapplying for a visa each time. The only condition is that the local company apply to FIVA each time so that an accurate record can be maintained of the work the specialist is doing in South Africa.

Home Affairs is also issuing extensions on 90-day visas so that the Section 11(2) permit can be extended to 180 days. This enables directors and DOPs to obtain one visa for the entire summer season.

Here's how to acquire special allowances:

  • Register with FIVA on the FIVA website. All applications are made via the local service provider on behalf of their foreign clients; 
  • Apply for a letter from FIVA. The local service provider must apply on the client’s behalf and it can all be done online;
  • Applicants are to hand in their letter to the South African Embassy, along with the other required documents, at the visa appointment. FIVA can advise on these procedures and assist in making emergency appointments if required; and
  • Allow five working days for the application to be processed. Apply as soon as a job is confirmed.

Going forward, the CPA aims to streamline this process further. For instance, the CPA believes that biometric testing (a process that’s currently carried out at the South African Embassy appointment) can be done at the airports. This could make pre-application unnecessary, as visas could be issued on entry into South Africa.

For more information, visit www.cpasa.tv.