CAPE TOWN, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- South Africa announced a new visa scheme on Thursday, aiming to attract international film and creative production companies to shoot and invest in the country through a streamlined digital process.

The Department of Home Affairs unveiled the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) in a statement, describing it as a "catalytic visa reform to boost South Africa's standing as a leading global destination for film and other creative productions."

"For the very first time, STAGES introduces a digital platform to process visa applications for international film and creative production companies," the department said, adding that the reform cuts red tape and accelerates secure visa processing through technological reform.

The initiative follows years of complaints from the film industry about cumbersome visa procedures that have cost South Africa lucrative projects. The department cited one case in which the country lost a 400 million rand (about 23.5 million U.S. dollars) Netflix production to Mexico due to visa inefficiencies.

STAGES, modeled on the existing Trusted Employer Scheme and the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, allows qualified companies to apply online and receive visa approvals in "as little as 24 hours." Approved applicants will sign governance agreements with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure compliance and transparency.

According to the statement, a dedicated governance and adjudication team has been set up to manage STAGES, oversee applications, and ensure timely decisions.

In the statement, Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber said the new scheme is "the latest exciting step on our journey of digital transformation," underscoring the government's commitment to using technology to drive growth and create jobs. ■