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Department of Home Affairs extends operating hours

The department of Home Affairs has announced an extension of operating hours in select offices.

In response to the escalating demand for Smart ID Cards and passport services, the Department of Home Affairs has announced an extension of operating hours in select offices. The extended hours will be valid during the school holidays period which is from June 27 until the end of July. These extended hours aim to alleviate the pressure on citizens seeking these crucial documents.

The Department of Home Affairs plays a vital role in providing identification and travel documents to South African citizens. With a surge in Smart ID Cards and passports applications, the department has recognized the need to enhance its services and cater to the growing demand.

Recognizing that many individuals have faced difficulties in securing appointments due to limited availability, the department’s decision to extend operating hours is a proactive step toward ensuring accessibility and convenience for the public.

The additional two hours will enable citizens to visit Home Affairs offices after regular working hours, easing the burden on those who struggle to find time during the day. This move is expected to bring relief to working professionals, students, and individuals with other commitments.

Minister Motsoaledi said, “The department usually receives a higher volume of applications during school holidays. To meet demand during this period, we have extended operating hours.”

The Department of Home Affairs encourages citizens to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for their Smart ID Cards and passports during the extended hours. By doing so, individuals can avoid long waiting periods and obtain their essential documents without delay.

The Department of Home Affairs’ decision to extend operating hours in select offices is a commendable step towards addressing the high demand for Smart ID Cards and passport services. This move demonstrates the department’s commitment to serving the public efficiently and ensuring that citizens have access to vital identification and travel documents in a timely manner.

The Fourways Review spoke to a few residents to hear their thoughts about the school holidays extension of working hours at Home Affairs.

Edith Tsuma: it’s more convenient for people who are working because you will be able to knock off at work and go to Home Affairs. As we know it’s hard for us to go since no work means no pay.
Edwin Pachuma: Home affairs did a good thing, as a parent who has a child who is doing matric, I am going to benefit from this because it’s hard to get a Smart ID card because of long queues and offline systems.
Nkosinathi Tsuma: So good of Home Affairs to do such a good thing- at least the community will have some good news out of Home Affairs.
Royen Mohlaka: It will impact positively at this moment, and we not going to blame anyone with questions asking why they are doing it now. Everything has its own starting time, and students will benefit especially now that they are on holiday.
Natasha Bishop: They should extend it always, not just during school holidays. Considering the number of queues it shows the high demand for ID cards and passports and it’s not nice queuing the whole day to come out with nothing you have to queue again. This should be an always thing.
Nemavhola Owam: Home Affairs should do this every day. Why are they only extending their working hours during school holidays? How about other days?

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