The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) has announced the introduction of two new visa categories — the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) for the film sector and the Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme (MEETS) for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
"It is refreshing and heartwarming to witness a Minister who so clearly understands, in practical terms, how our outdated visa regime has been costing South Africa dearly," says Rosemary Anderson, National Chairperson of FEDHASA. "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."
The impact of past visa delays has been stark. As Minister Schreiber pointed out, South Africa recently lost a major Netflix production from Mexico worth an estimated R400-million due to visa-related hurdles. With the STAGES visa, international production companies will be able to apply online and receive decisions within hours, removing one of the key bottlenecks to industry growth, says the organisation.
Globally, the economic potential of being "film-friendly" is immense. Canada has reaped enormous benefits from its streamlined visa processes and incentives for filmmakers, generating over CAD $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, adds the organisation.
"South Africa, with its stunning locations and skilled crews, is exceptionally well-placed to emulate this success," says Anderson. "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."
The MEETS visa will unlock tremendous value in South Africa's MICE sector — worth R120-billion in 2023, with immense potential for further growth. Countries like Singapore and Thailand have harnessed streamlined visa access to position themselves as global MICE leaders. Singapore's MICE industry generated S$3.8-billion (R53-billion) in 2022, while Thailand hosted over 1.3-million MICE travellers in 2023, adds the organisation.
"South Africa's rich culture, world-class facilities and natural beauty can position us as a premier MICE destination — but only if the red tape is removed," says Anderson. "The MEETS visa is a major stride in that direction."
Job creation, economic growth and global competitiveness hinge on practical, fast and business-friendly policies. FEDHASA is encouraged by the promise of a digital system with quick turnaround times — and we look forward to engaging further on timelines and implementation, says the organisation.
"With STAGES and MEETS, South Africa sends a clear and confident message to the world: we are ready, we are open, and we are welcoming the world to our shores to do business, create jobs and tell our stories," concludes Anderson.
For more information, visit www.fedhasa.co.za. You can also follow the FEDHASA on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on X.
*Image courtesy of contributor