Extended hours for Smart ID card applications for naturalised citizens
The Department of Home Affairs has extended its operating hours for permanent residents and naturalised citizens to finalise the Smart ID cards
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Naturalised citizens and permanent residents from visa exempt countries have been given an extended time to get their Smart ID cards done.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) extended their operating hours in May. The extension on Saturdays came into effect on May 17 and will continue until May 31. This means that offices will open from 8am until 1pm.
Under the leadership of Minister Leon Schreiber, DHA is transitioning from Green Barcoded ID Books to Smart ID Cards for eligible naturalised citizens and permanent residents.
“The Department of Home Affairs will extend its operating period by five hours on Saturdays in May 2025 at front offices to assist naturalised citizens and permanent residents to apply for Smart ID Cards,” the department said in a statement. “Extended hours over the specified weekends will allow for processing of Smart ID Card applications from naturalised citizens and permanent residents from listed countries, in possession of Green Barcoded ID books.”
The department encouraged naturalised citizens and permanent residents from listed countries to make use of this opportunity. The department said this will take citizens closer to fully adopting the more secure Smart ID Card and doing away with the Green Barcoded ID book.
The listed countries can be found at https://bit.ly/smartidcards-naturalised-and-pr