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As the Government of National Unity (GNU) marks its first 100 days in office, Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber has announced a bold new five-year plan to digitize the Department of Home Affairs. The strategic vision, titled Home Affairs @ Home, aims to transform the department into a fully digital-first operation by the end of 2024-2029.
The initiative promises to eliminate the need for in-person visits to Home Affairs offices for routine services, such as obtaining or replacing IDs, passports, and certificates. Instead, clients will be able to access these services online, with applications processed through an automated system that will require human intervention only when anomalies arise.
“By bringing Home Affairs to people’s homes, we envision a future where civic services are secure, efficient, and easily accessible,” said Schreiber. “Using biometric verification, as seen with SARS and banking services, we aim to offer routine services digitally and have documents shipped directly to clients, both locally and internationally.”
The department also plans to overhaul its immigration services, introducing a secure online platform for submitting visa applications and travel authorisations. Travellers to South Africa will eventually use biometric information to receive digital travel codes, replacing traditional paper-based visas. The new system aims to speed up travel authorisation and prevent identity fraud, using machine learning and global databases to verify information instantly.
Schreiber emphasized the role of this transformation in strengthening national security, preventing overstays, and combating fraud. “With biometric technology integrated across borders and ports-of-entry, we can ensure real-time verification and enhance our movement control systems,” he said.
The digital transformation is set to reduce the department’s reliance on physical offices and compensate for budget cuts that have left Home Affairs with only 40% of the staff it requires under the current system. Schreiber highlighted the importance of partnerships with banks, retailers, and community centers to expand access to services nationwide.
He concluded: “Our aim is to provide the best possible experience for all Home Affairs users, ensuring dignity and efficiency for the 62 million South Africans and millions more international visitors.”
The department will implement this ambitious transformation over the next five years, aligning with the GNU’s top priority of growing the economy and creating jobs by attracting more tourists, investments, and skilled professionals.