Jaco Brits, Head of Immigration at the leading corporate immigration service provider Xpatweb, said this is another important step in the DHA’s digital transformation process towards more efficient service delivery to South Africans.
Since Monday, 12 May 2025, naturalised citizens and permanent residents from visa exempt countries who are still in possession of a green bar-coded ID, can for the first time apply for Smart ID Cards via the eHomeAffairs platform or at participating bank branches.
Shortly after the applications opened, the DHA indicated the system is stable and they are encouraged by the scale of uptake by clients.
Once volumes in the category for naturalised citizens and permanent residents from visa exempt countries reduce, applicants from non-exempt countries will also be assisted. The Department will communicate when this next phase opens for applications.
For years, IT system limitations within the DHA barred naturalised South African citizens and permanent residents from accessing Smart IDs. These individuals were left reliant on the old green ID book, which is easier to forge due to its paper-based design. The lack of advanced security features, also makes it a target for identity fraud.
From Inequality to Inclusion
Brits said the fact that over 1.4 million naturalised citizens and lawful permanent residents will be assisted in this way, is a historic milestone as it puts them on equal footing with South African citizens by birth.
“This reform is a powerful reminder that inclusive digital systems are essential for protecting the dignity of all South African residents. We welcome the Department’s commitment to modernisation, and we are already seeing the direct impact this will have on our clients across sectors.”
Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, said following months of diligent IT reforms, this rollout marks “the single most significant milestone yet” in the Department’s digital reform journey, describing the initiative as a victory for dignity and national security.
He emphasised that the reform also strengthens national security by ensuring every eligible person in South Africa can now obtain a Smart ID. “This takes us much closer to fully adopting the Smart ID and eliminating the fraud risks linked to the green bar-coded ID book.”
Expanding Access Across the Country
To make it as easy as possible for affected individuals to apply, the Department is involving more participating bank branches where Smart ID and passport applications can be processed. This is part of its efforts to build a modern, digital, and citizen-centric Home Affairs and meeting citizens where they are.
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