Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, announced that the department would extend its operating hours during the festive season.

“These extended operating hours and process improvements are part of our commitment to delivering dignity to all our clients,” he said.

“We understand that many people are travelling over the festive period, which is why Home Affairs is going the extra mile to ensure South Africans get the documents they need to spend precious time with friends and family.”

From December 10 to 20, for all services with an additional two hours every day.

Schreiber said the home affairs offices will remain open until 6pm, instead of the usual closing time of 4pm.

He said the move was made to accommodate the high demand.

“To ease pressure on its clients, Home Affairs has also introduced dedicated counters for collections in large offices that process smart ID Cards and passports, where space allows,” said Schreiber.

He said clients can book application or collection appointments before visiting offices, using the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), on the department’s website.

However, he said the department would allow clients who were not able to make appointments to visit as walk-ins.

Schreiber encouraged clients who have applied for their identification documents and have been waiting for three weeks or more, to use the opportunity by visiting their Home Affairs offices to collect their identification documents during the extended period.

Recently, the department of Home Affairs has taken a step toward digital transformation with the launch of its new eRecruitment platform.

Schreiber praised this development as a milestone in the department’s drive to modernise its operations.

“Online recruitment has long been a standard practice in the private sector, and it is high time that the government catches up,” Schreiber said.

“Since day one, I have said that digital transformation is the apex priority for Home Affairs. The launch of our very own eRecruitment platform takes us closer towards achieving that goal.”

The portal allows prospective job applicants to view and apply for departmental vacancies online, eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork and enhancing efficiency for both applicants and the department.

The eRecruitment platform is part of the department’s broader five-year vision to create a fully digital-first organisation.

By digitising the recruitment process, the platform reduces the administrative burden associated with handling physical documents, saving time and resources while providing a user-friendly experience for job seekers.

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Home Affairs extend operating hours by an 'additional two hours' during festive season