Home Affairs extends branch hours for festive season applications and collections

The Department of Home Affairs will be extending operating hours at its branches from December 8 to 19 and from January 5 to 16, by an additional two hours daily for applications and collections of enabling documents.

The department said that on these days, offices will close at 18:00, instead of 16:00 and that services offered during the extended hours will be available at offices equipped to process Smart ID cards and passports.

The department advised the public to book application or collection appointments before visiting offices, using the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), available on the Home Affairs website. Those without a booking may still visit offices as walk-ins.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said that the department remains committed to providing accessible and people-centred services.

“With our offices operating on extended hours ahead of and during the festive season, I encourage South Africans to make use of the longer opening hours to ensure that their essential documents are up to date, including travel documents,” he said.

The minister added that the extended hours that are offered will go a long way in assisting people to get the documents they need to spend precious time with friends and family and to prepare for the New Year.

Schreiber officially launched the Travel Ready Campaign last month in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. He saluted the commitment of members of the home affairs team that will be working longer hours to ensure that South Africans can enjoy their festive season with friends and family.

“My message to citizens who have applied for Smart ID cards and passports is that they should take this opportunity to collect their documents. We now offer dedicated counters for collections as we continue our journey towards delivering dignity for all,” said Schreiber.