Home Affairs extends July operating hours

To accommodate school pupils applying for and collecting Smart IDs over the holidays, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has extended operating times by two hours.

From 7 to 21 July, DHA branches – including Empangeni and Richards Bay – will close at 6pm rather than 4pm.

“I would like to encourage 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,” said Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber.

Other interventions aimed to boost DHA services include:

Introducing dedicated counters for collections in large offices that process Smart ID cards and passports, where space allows

Allowing clients who cannot book appointments to visit as walk-ins

The public can book applications or collection appointments using the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), found on the DHA website.

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