The Department of Home Affairs has extended its operating hours on various days during the festive season.

The extension will be effective from December 8 to 19 and from January 5 to 16.

On these dates, Home Affairs offices will operate from 08:00 to 18:00.

“Offices will close at 18:00, instead of 16:00. Services offered during the extended hours will be available at offices equipped to process smart ID cards and passports,” the department said in a statement.

Members of the public are advised to book application or collection appointments before visiting Home Affairs offices, using the Branch Appointment Booking System, available on the Home Affairs website. People who do not have a booking can still visit the offices as walk-ins.

The minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said: “We remain committed to providing accessible and people-centred services. With our offices operating on extended hours ahead of and during the festive season, I encourage South Africans to make use of the longer opening hours to ensure that their essential documents are up to date, including travel documents.

“The extended hours we are offering will go a long way in assisting people to get the documents they need to spend precious time with friends and family, and to prepare for the New Year.

“I salute the commitment of members of #TeamHomeAffairs who will be working longer hours to ensure that South Africans can enjoy their festive season with friends and family.

“Citizens who have applied for smart ID cards and passports should take this opportunity to collect their documents. We now offer dedicated counters for collections, as we continue our journey towards delivering dignity for all.”

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