The Department of Home Affairs will operate extended Saturday hours on 24 May and 31 May, offering naturalised citizens and permanent residents an additional opportunity to apply for Smart ID Cards. The front offices will open from 8:00 to 13:00 on both days.
Additionally, this temporary measure is part of a broader drive to replace the older green barcoded ID books with the more secure and modern Smart ID Cards. The department confirmed that the extended weekend service applies only to offices that offer Smart ID Card services and is specifically aimed at naturalised citizens and permanent residents from listed countries who still possess the outdated green barcoded ID books.
Department of Home Affairs supporting the transition to secure IDs
“Naturalised citizens and permanent residents from listed countries are encouraged to make use of this opportunity,” the department said in a statement.
Moreover, by extending weekend hours, Home Affairs aims to reduce weekday queues and ensure broader access to secure identification.
The department has emphasised that moving away from green ID books is essential.
“This will take us closer to fully adopting the more secure Smart ID Card and doing away with the green bar-coded ID book,” the department explained.
Who Qualifies and How to Prepare
Applicants must be from one of the listed countries and be either naturalised citizens or permanent residents with a valid green barcoded ID book. The list of qualifying countries is available on the official website.
The department urges those eligible to take advantage of the extended hours to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure smooth processing.
Will you use this opportunity to upgrade your ID and support the shift toward smarter, more secure identification?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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