Home Affairs extends hours for ID collection

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is taking significant steps to enhance service delivery by extending its operating hours for citizens to collect their IDs and passports ahead of the upcoming Voter Registration Weekend.

In an effort to accommodate the needs of the public, the DHA will open its offices on Saturday, 4 November 2023, and Saturday, 11 November 2023, for five hours, from 8:00 to 13:00 on each day, exclusively for the collection of smart ID cards and passports.

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To alleviate pressure on clients and reduce long queues, Home Affairs has introduced dedicated counters for collections in larger offices that process Smart ID Cards and passports. This move aims to streamline the collection process and ensure a more efficient service.

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CLIENTS CAN BOOK COLLECTION APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THEIR VISIT TO HOME AFFAIRS

Furthermore, clients can now book collection appointments before their visit, thanks to the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), accessible on the DHA website.

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The online booking system makes it easier for clients to plan their visits and reduces wait times. Those who may not have an opportunity to book appointments can still visit as walk-ins and will receive assistance in collecting their IDs and passports.

During the Voter Registration Weekend on 18 and 19 November 2023, ID services will also be available at all Home Affairs offices. Operating hours will align with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to assist voters in collecting their IDs or applying for Temporary Identification Certificates, which are issued on the spot.

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These documents are crucial for eligible voters to register for the 2024 national and provincial elections.

DHA ENCOURAGES CLIENTS WAITING FOR THREE WEEKS OR MORE FOR THEIR IDS TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY

The DHA encourages clients who have been waiting for their identification documents for three weeks or more to make use of this opportunity.

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“We would like to urge all clients who have applied for their identification documents and have been waiting for three weeks or more, to seize this opportunity by visiting their Home Affairs office to collect these critical documents at their convenience,” read the statement.

Whether it’s on the Saturdays of 4 and 11 November 2023 or during the weekend of 18-19 November 2023, Home Affairs is committed to providing a convenient and efficient service for all citizens.