
Home Affairs extends July operating hours
From 7 to 21 July, DHA branches – including Empangeni and Richards Bay – will close at 6pm rather than 4pm.
'I would like to encourage all clients who have applied for their identification documents and have been waiting for three weeks or more, to seize this opportunity by visiting their Home Affairs office to collect these critical documents,' said Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber.
Other interventions aimed to boost DHA services include:
Introducing dedicated counters for collections in large offices that process Smart ID cards and passports, where space allows
Allowing clients who cannot book appointments to visit as walk-ins
The public can book applications or collection appointments using the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), found on the DHA website.
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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ "[MEETS] will support events such as the SA20 cricket tournament and the World Rugby Sevens, allowing global talent to arrive without delay and injecting further growth into our economy," Schreiber said. 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In our next phase of turning Home Affairs into an economic enabler, I am delighted to announce two new pioneering digital visa schemes: STAGES (Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme) will create a seamless digital visa system for the film industry, and MEETS (Meetings,… — Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) July 8, 2025 The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) has applauded the introduction of these new visa categories. 'It is refreshing and heartwarming to witness a Minister who clearly understands how our outdated visa regime has been costing South Africa dearly,' said Rosemary Anderson, national chairperson of Fedhasa. 'The STAGES and MEETS visa categories are not just policy reforms; they are powerful economic enablers that signal to the world that South Africa is truly open for business.' Anderson highlighted that globally, the economic potential of being "film-friendly" is immense. Canada has seen enormous benefits from its streamlined visa processes and incentives for filmmakers, generating over C$11.3 billion (R155 billion) in direct film and TV production spending in 2022 alone. Similarly, Georgia has experienced a 250% increase in foreign film productions over five years, thanks in part to its efficient visa and incentive programmes. 'South Africa, with its stunning locations and skilled crews, is exceptionally well-placed to emulate this success,' Anderson explained. 'In 2019/2020, our film sector contributed R7.2 billion to the economy - a figure that has since declined due to both Covid-19 and administrative delays. These new reforms give us every reason to believe we can not only recover but soar.' She also said that the country's rich culture, world-class facilities, and natural beauty can position us as a premier MICE destination, but only if the red tape is removed. 'The MEETS visa is a major stride in that direction.' 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