The City of Cape Town has welcomed two new digital visa schemes for the film and events industries.
The City says the announcement by the Department of Home Affairs is a major step forward for economic growth.
The first initiative, called STAGES – short for Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme – will use digitisation to simplify visa access for film production companies.
The MMC for Economic Growth James Vos, says this will be a game-changer for Cape Town and South Africa’s film industry, which will open the door to more productions, investment, and job opportunities.
The second programme is called MEETS – the Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme, which will enable international attendees at conferences, exhibitions, and global events to apply for visas entirely online.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, during his Department’s budget vote speech this week, has confirmed that the process will offer rapid turnaround times.
In our next phase of turning Home Affairs into an economic enabler, I am delighted to announce two new pioneering digital visa schemes: STAGES (Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme) will create a seamless digital visa system for the film industry, and MEETS (Meetings,… pic.twitter.com/U2f4A6R6tW
— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) July 8, 2025
Vos has welcomed both schemes with open arms:
“This announcement comes at the perfect time for Cape Town, which is fast becoming a premier hub for global meetings, conferences, and events. In the 2024/25 financial year alone, the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau – powered by Wesgro and supported by the City – secured 36 new bids. These are projected to generate an economic impact of R745 million and attract around 27 230 delegates to the city through to 2028.”
He says consultations are currently underway with multiple stakeholders to shape a new tourism strategy for Cape Town.
“This strategy will focus on key levers such as boosting international arrivals, driving volume, and creating economic spin-offs that benefit local communities. Tourism is a powerful job creator and a key economic enabler, and we are determined to unlock its full potential.”
Vos says these digital visa schemes will be vital tools in that mission and signals a more responsive and modern approach from the National Government.
