Home Affairs has extended operating hours at selected offices nationwide, offering more time to apply for or collect smart IDs and passports as demand continues to rise. Picture Credit: Digital Economy Mag
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – South Africans who still need to apply for a smart ID card or passport have received a boost, with the Department of Home Affairs announcing extended operating hours at selected offices across the country.
The move is aimed at easing pressure on heavily congested branches and assisting citizens who have struggled to secure appointments or complete applications during standard working hours.
Home Affairs confirmed that offices equipped to process smart ID cards and passports will remain open until 6pm on weekdays for a limited period. The intervention applies specifically to branches with live capture systems, which are required to issue smart ID cards and passports.
According to the department, the decision follows sustained high demand for identity documents, particularly during peak travel seasons and the start of the year, when many South Africans discover their documents are expired, misplaced or nearing renewal deadlines.
The department said the extension is part of broader service delivery improvements aimed at ensuring that all eligible South Africans can access secure identity documents in a timely manner.
Citizens have been encouraged to continue using the online Branch Appointment Booking System, which Home Affairs has described as the most efficient way to receive service. Officials noted, however, that walk-in clients will also be assisted during extended hours, subject to capacity at individual offices.
To support the initiative, Home Affairs has deployed additional staff at certain branches and adjusted internal workflows to prevent burnout and operational strain. In some offices, separate counters have been allocated for document collections to reduce congestion and speed up service for applicants whose smart ID cards or passports are already complete.
The department has repeatedly stressed the importance of transitioning from the green barcoded ID book to the smart ID card, citing security risks and increased vulnerability to fraud associated with the older document.
While no final deadline has been announced for the discontinuation of the green ID book, government has made it clear that the long-term objective is a fully digital, secure national identity system.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has previously indicated that improving access to smart IDs remains a priority, especially for first-time applicants, working adults and those in rural areas who face additional barriers.
In parallel, Home Affairs continues to expand partnerships with major banks, allowing smart ID and passport applications to be processed at selected bank branches. These facilities have been praised for shorter queues and faster turnaround times, although access remains largely concentrated in urban centres.
The department acknowledged that production capacity remains under pressure, with the Government Printing Works operating at near maximum output to meet national demand. Despite these constraints, officials said steady progress is being made in reducing backlogs.
Home Affairs has urged South Africans not to delay applications, warning that demand typically spikes ahead of election periods, school holidays and major travel seasons.
The department added that further measures may be introduced if demand remains high, reinforcing government’s commitment to improving public access to essential identity services and restoring confidence in state service delivery.
