New scheme targets red tape holding back major international events
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has rolled out a pioneering digital system aimed at streamlining visa processing for visitors attending large-scale international events in the country. The initiative, known as the Meetings, Exhibitions, Events and Tourism Scheme (MEETS), represents a significant shift in how group visa applications linked to major gatherings will be handled.
The platform is specifically designed to manage high-volume, time-sensitive applications from delegations travelling to conferences, sporting tournaments, trade exhibitions and cultural events hosted on South African soil. It marks the first time a dedicated secure channel has been established to deal with the unique demands of event-related visa processing.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced the launch on Tuesday, describing it as a catalytic reform that positions the country's visa system as a strategic asset rather than an obstacle.
"By cutting red tape and accelerating secure visa processing through technological reform, MEETS ensures that when the world chooses South Africa as a host, our visa system is ready. Through MEETS, we are ensuring that our visa system becomes a competitive advantage that helps attract even more conferences, exhibitions, sporting tournaments and cultural events that create jobs and stimulate economic growth."
South Africa is a frequent host of high-profile international gatherings, from global trade events like Mining Indaba and World Cup tournaments to major music concerts and academic conferences. These occasions routinely require large groups — including performers, technical crews, delegates and support staff — to enter the country together under tight deadlines, placing enormous pressure on traditional visa channels.
Digital overhaul aims to unlock economic potential
Minister Schreiber stressed that the conventional approach of fragmented applications and uncertain timelines was no longer fit for purpose in a competitive global events market. He noted that nations bidding to host major international gatherings must be able to guarantee swift and efficient entry for participants.
"Global events move quickly, and host nations must be ready to respond with equal speed. Through MEETS, Home Affairs is modernising visa processing to support large delegations in a secure and coordinated manner, unlocking greater economic impact from every event hosted in South Africa."
The Minister framed the initiative as part of a broader drive to transform Home Affairs into what he called an economic enabler. He argued that a modernised visa regime is essential to supporting tourism, attracting investment and driving job creation through the events sector, which he identified as a powerful engine of economic growth.
"By modernising our visa system, we are positioning Home Affairs as an economic enabler that supports tourism, investment, and allows for job creation. The events sector is a powerful driver of growth, and MEETS ensures that our visa regime matches South Africa's ambition to host world-class international gatherings."
Event organisers based in South Africa who have an established track record in the sector can now register their interest in joining the MEETS scheme. Applicants must meet qualifying criteria and can submit expressions of interest through the Department of Home Affairs website. Those who are accredited will be required to enter into a formal Memorandum of Agreement with the department, which will govern their participation in the programme and set out compliance requirements.
South Africa's events sector contributes billions to the economy annually, yet cumbersome visa processes have long deterred international organisers from choosing the country over competing destinations. By enabling faster, coordinated processing for large delegations, the MEETS platform could help secure more bids for global conferences, tournaments and exhibitions, directly benefiting hospitality, transport and retail businesses. If implementation proves reliable, it may signal a broader modernisation of government services that reduces bureaucratic barriers to economic growth.
