No discontinuation of green ID book
Home affairs has taken note of a message on social media purported to be from the department announcing that the lifespan of the green barcoded ID book comes to an end on 31 March 2018.
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MBOMBELA – The department last year said no such announcement has been made. “We wish to make it clear that the green barcoded ID book remains a legal form of identification and will continue to be until such time that the Live Capture System is rolled out to all home affairs offices to enable South Africans to apply for smart ID cards at their nearest offices,” the department said in a statement.
Home affairs has developed a plan to systematically phase out the green ID book and ultimately consolidate the restoration, common citizenship, identity and dignity to South Africans.
Home affairs call on South Africans to apply for Smart ID cards at any of the 180 offices that are equipped with the Live Capture System. In addition, the department has established a partnership with FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank and Absa to create an online portal where clients can lodge their application without visiting a home affairs office.