Days are numbered for green ID books in South Africa

Government moves to phase out the Green Identity book, ramps up issuing smart IDs

June 8, 2026

Gugu Myeni 1 minute read

The government is pushing forward with plans to discontinue green ID books amid the ongoing fight against illegal immigration.

These plans were reiterated by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said the Department of Home Affairs will set a date by which the green ID books will no longer be recognised.

“We are establishing an Intelligent Population Register that contains biometric data for every person in the country, laying the foundation for a digital ID,” said Ramaphosa.

“At the same time, we will progressively discontinue the green ID books, which have enabled identity theft by undocumented immigrants and criminal syndicates.”

He cited efforts to root out corruption and strengthen the country’s immigration system.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber revealed that, as of last month, 16 million South African citizens still possess the green ID book.

“The green ID book is often cited as the most defrauded document on the African continent,” said Schreiber. “It sits at the heart of identity theft and illegal immigration.

“By rapidly scaling up access to the smart ID, Home Affairs finally has a clear roadmap towards ensuring every South African can switch away from the green ID book, enabling us to eventually stop recognising it as a valid form of identification.

“This will eliminate fraud and identity theft linked to the green ID book, striking a major blow in favour of the rule of law,” he said.

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