On 17 March 2026, the Department of Home Affairs announced the launch of the Meetings, Exhibitions, Events and Tourism Scheme (MEETS), a new visa category designed to facilitate high-volume, time-sensitive group visa applications for international events hosted in South Africa.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The MEETS visa scheme is poised to significantly affect global mobility programs and internationally mobile employees by streamlining and accelerating the visa process for large delegations associated with conferences, exhibitions, sporting tournaments, and cultural events. For HR leaders, event organizers, and global mobility managers, this development may reduce administrative burdens, may shorten lead times, and may provide greater predictability for groups traveling to South Africa for major events. Mobile employees and contractors will benefit from an expedited, coordinated visa process, reducing the risk of travel delays or non-compliance arising from fragmented or slow visa procedures.
Background
Prior to the introduction of MEETS, organizers of large international events in South Africa faced fragmented, resource‑intensive visa procedures for high‑volume group applications. This often resulted in uncertainty, delays, and additional administrative hurdles for both event organizers and participants. The MEETS scheme was developed in part to address these challenges by leveraging digital reforms and offering a dedicated, secure application pathway.
Key Highlights
The MEETS visa scheme represents a major reform aimed at strengthening South Africa’s position as a destination for global events, with the following key features and implications:
- Dedicated group processing: MEETS introduces a secure, high-volume visa processing avenue specifically for international events, enabling applications for entire teams, performers, delegates, and technical staff to be handled collectively.
- Digital and accelerated procedures: The scheme leverages technological reforms, including streamlined online submissions, to accelerate visa issuance and reduce red tape.
- Eligibility and accreditation: Domestic event organizers with a proven track record can express interest in participating in MEETS by applying via the Department of Home Affairs website. Accredited organizers must enter into a Memorandum of Agreement to govern their participation.
- Economic and strategic aims: MEETS is designed to support tourism, investment, and job creation by making South Africa’s visa regime a competitive advantage for attracting international events.
- Scope of application: The scheme is relevant for a wide array of global gatherings, including trade shows, sporting tournaments, music concerts, and academic conferences.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the changes, organizations may wish to collaborate with accredited domestic event organizers to benefit from the MEETS scheme, ensure timely group submissions, and familiarize themselves with the qualifying criteria and application process. HR and mobility teams could monitor ongoing updates from the Department of Home Affairs to support compliance and help maximize the advantages of the new regime.
If readers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in South Africa (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Department of Home Affairs, “Home Affairs rolls out MEETS visa scheme to position South Africa as a premier global events destination,” published on 17 March 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in South Africa.
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