Introduction
The Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme (MEETS) is a recent initiative introduced by the Department of Home Affairs to support the facilitation of visas for international participants attending qualifying events in South Africa.
It is not a standalone visa category for individuals. Instead, it is an accreditation-based system that enables approved event organisers to manage visa applications for foreign delegates through a centralised digital process.
The scheme forms part of a broader shift towards structured, institution-led immigration processes in sectors with measurable economic impact.
Policy Context
South Africa has an established position as a host for international conferences, exhibitions, and business events. However, visa processing constraints have historically affected participation from non-visa-exempt countries.
MEETS addresses this by introducing a coordinated application mechanism that reduces fragmentation in how visa applications are submitted and assessed. Rather than relying on individual applicants navigating the process independently, the system places responsibility on accredited organisers to manage submissions in a controlled and standardised manner.
This reflects a wider administrative approach in which trusted entities are granted access to simplified procedures, subject to compliance and oversight.
Structure of the MEETS Scheme
MEETS operates through two primary components:
First, the accreditation of event organisers. Only organisers that meet defined eligibility criteria are permitted to participate in the scheme.
Second, the submission and management of visa applications for delegates. Once accredited, organisers are granted access to a digital platform through which they can coordinate applications for foreign participants attending their event.
Delegates are still required to provide standard documentation relating to identity and travel. The distinction lies in how applications are submitted and managed, rather than in the underlying visa requirements.
Eligibility and Accreditation Criteria
Participation in MEETS is determined through a combination of mandatory requirements and a points-based assessment framework.
Certain criteria are non-negotiable. These include demonstrable regulatory compliance and evidence of prior event capacity, such as having hosted a large-scale event within a recent period. Without meeting these baseline conditions, an application will not proceed to full evaluation.
Beyond this, organisers are assessed on operational readiness and administrative capability. This includes the ability to maintain accurate records of international delegates, operate a functional digital presence, and establish a dedicated team responsible for visa coordination.
Compliance with safety and event regulations is also required, alongside a willingness to enter into a formal agreement with the Department governing participation in the scheme.
A minimum scoring threshold must be achieved for approval, ensuring that only organisers with sufficient capacity and track record are admitted.
Application and Approval Process
The application process is initiated by the event organiser. It involves the submission of detailed information relating to both the organisation and the specific event for which accreditation is sought.
This includes the scale and nature of the event, expected international attendance, and the anticipated economic or tourism contribution. Supporting documentation confirming legal status and operational capacity must also be provided.
Applications are assessed by an inter-departmental committee. The Department of Home Affairs retains final decision-making authority, with outcomes typically communicated within a defined processing period.
There is no fixed submission window for applications. However, organisers are expected to apply sufficiently in advance of their event to allow for assessment and onboarding.
Post-Accreditation Process
Once accreditation is granted, the organiser enters into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. This agreement outlines the responsibilities of the organiser and the conditions under which the scheme may be used.
The organiser is then able to access the MEETS platform and begin submitting visa applications for registered delegates.
Applications are submitted in a structured format, supported by consolidated documentation relating to the event and the participants. The organiser is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of submissions, as well as maintaining compliance with all scheme requirements.
Processing Considerations
Processing under MEETS occurs in two stages.
The first is the accreditation of the organiser, which involves evaluation against the scheme’s criteria.
The second is the processing of visa applications for delegates once the organiser has been approved. These applications are handled through the digital platform and are generally processed more efficiently than standard individual submissions, provided that all requirements are met.
Timelines may vary depending on the volume of applications, the quality of submitted information, and any additional verification required.
Costs and Administrative Requirements
The scheme operates on a facilitation-based fee model. Costs are associated with the submission and processing of visa applications for delegates, as well as with the administrative requirements of participation.
Event organisers should anticipate expenses related to compliance, document preparation, and coordination of delegate information. The exact fee structure is determined by the Department and may be subject to revision.
Practical Implications
MEETS introduces a more structured mechanism for managing visa applications linked to international events. For organisers, participation requires a demonstrable level of operational maturity and regulatory compliance. The scheme places significant responsibility on the organiser to act as an intermediary between delegates and the immigration system. For delegates, the process remains substantively similar in terms of documentation, but is administered through a coordinated submission rather than an individual one.
At a system level, the scheme enables the Department to process applications in grouped formats tied to verified events, which may improve administrative efficiency while maintaining oversight.
Conclusion
The MEETS visa scheme represents an administrative adjustment to how visa applications are facilitated in the context of international events. By introducing an accreditation-based model centred on event organisers, the Department of Home Affairs has created a framework that aligns visa processing with organised economic activity.
The effectiveness of the scheme will depend on the quality of participating organisers and the consistency of implementation, but its structure reflects a clear shift towards managed, institution-led access to immigration processes in targeted sectors.
Written by Andreas Krensel, Senior Director, Africa and Europe
