The Department of Home Affairs has launched the Meetings, Exhibitions, Events and Tourism Scheme (MEETS), a visa reform initiative designed to streamline the processing of large group applications linked to major international events.
The scheme is expected to play a key role in strengthening South Africa’s position as a global host for conferences, exhibitions, sporting tournaments and cultural events, while directly benefiting event organizers, international delegates, performers and technical teams who need to travel within tight timelines.
“The launch of MEETS marks another decisive step in our journey of digital transformation,” says Minister Leon Schreiber. “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.”
For the first time, MEETS introduces a secure channel to process high volumes of time-sensitive visa applications for groups attending international events hosted in the country. The system aims to cut red tape and improve turnaround times through the use of technology, ensuring that South Africa can respond swiftly when selected as a host nation.
The department said large-scale events, including music concerts, global trade exhibitions such as the Mining Indaba, World Cup tournaments and international academic conferences, often require entire teams to travel together. These include performers, delegates and technical staff, all of whom rely on efficient visa processing to meet strict event schedules.
Through MEETS, organisers will be able to submit streamlined online applications tailored specifically for such events, replacing what has previously been described as fragmented and uncertain processes. The initiative is also expected to unlock greater economic impact by enabling smoother participation from international visitors.
Domestic event organisers with a proven track record are invited to submit expressions of interest to participate in the scheme. Successful applicants will be required to enter into a formal Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs to regulate participation and governance.
“South Africa already possesses the infrastructure, venues and global appeal required to host premier international events. 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,” Schreiber added.
Early in March Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, shared his approval for the MEETS visa scheme. He advised all local event organisers to adopt the new system.
Meyer says for the Western Cape’s events industry the MEETS visa scheme is a game changer.
“By reducing administrative barriers for event organisers and delegates, we can attract more international business events, boosting hotel occupancy, local transport, restaurants, tourism services, and the many small businesses that depend on visitor activity. This means more economic activity, more jobs, and a stronger, more resilient provincial economy.
Those interested in applying for the MEETS visa scheme can visit https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/meets.
