Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced on Tuesday at the Xpatweb Annual Global Mobility Conference that South Africa is accelerating digital reforms under the "Home Affairs @ home" programme to boost the economy. The Minister delivered his address at the Xpatweb Annual Global Mobility Conference, noting the department's strategic shift towards digital solutions. Mr. Schreiber stated, "South Africa is accelerating efforts to build a digital-first department, with expanded access to identity services, a growing electronic travel authorisation system and further reforms planned for the country's immigration regime." He added that the department was now focused on implementation, positioning Home Affairs as an economic enabler to support investment, tourism, critical skills, and economic growth. This full reform programme, known as "Home Affairs @ home," signals a significant push towards modernizing government services. Government plans to introduce legislation for the revised policy framework in Parliament at the beginning of the next financial year. This legislative action will give effect to the new policies, ensuring a strong legal foundation for the ongoing digital transformation. Mr. Schreiber described the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as the flagship immigration reform, designed to replace the country's outdated visa operating model with a modern platform utilizing machine learning, biometric verification, and automated risk analysis.
Identity Services Overhaul
A significant stride in the department's digital transformation is a partnership with the banking sector, which now enables South Africans to apply for Smart ID Cards at participating bank branches, eliminating the need for paperwork or appointments. This innovative initiative has already processed 422,119 Smart ID Card applications in just over four months, demonstrating its efficiency and public acceptance. The department is also developing a voluntary Digital ID system, which will allow secure digital versions of Home Affairs documents to be accessed on mobile devices. This upcoming system aims to enhance convenience and accessibility for citizens. Citizens will have the option of having their IDs and passports delivered by courier to their homes before the end of 2026, further streamlining the process of obtaining vital documents.
The number of locations available for replacement Smart IDs has significantly increased, expanding from 214 Home Affairs offices to a total of 541 sites across the country. This expansion makes it easier for citizens to replace their Smart ID cards closer to their communities. By the end of the year, more than 750 bank branches are expected to offer Smart ID services, a substantial increase in service points. This expansion will also include the availability of passports and first-time Smart ID applications for adults and minors at participating bank branches, making these essential services more widely accessible. The department stated that this broad expansion of Smart ID services is intended to pave the way for the eventual discontinuation of the green identity document, a long-standing goal of modernizing national identification.
Immigration System Modernization
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is described as the department's flagship immigration reform, according to Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. Mr. Schreiber stated that the ETA was designed "not merely to digitise existing processes but to replace the country's outdated visa operating model with a modern platform using machine learning, biometric verification and automated risk analysis." This initiative marks a significant step in the department's digital transformation efforts, moving beyond simple digitization to a more advanced, secure system.
Cabinet recently adopted the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, providing a new framework for these reforms. This key document sets the policy direction for the modernization of the country's immigration system. A key development in the modernization of the immigration system is the activation of an extension module, which allows qualifying visitors already in South Africa to apply digitally for an additional 90 days. This digital extension capability offers greater flexibility and convenience for international visitors.
The ETA was initially piloted for travellers from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. Since its inception, the system has processed more than 203,000 applications, demonstrating its operational capacity. During this period, the ETA system also rejected more than 5,700 fraudulent applications, demonstrating its capacity for risk analysis and its effectiveness in safeguarding national security. Looking ahead, study visas are among the categories expected to be incorporated into the ETA system by the end of the year, further expanding its digital reach and streamlining the application process for students. The phased rollout ensures that the system is strong and capable of handling increasing volumes and complexities.
Business and Economic Support
The Department of Home Affairs has expanded its Trusted Employer Scheme to encompass major infrastructure projects, companies establishing headquarters in South Africa, and entities within the financial services sector. This broadening of the scheme aims to streamline processes for businesses and support economic initiatives by facilitating the entry and retention of critical skills. The expansion specifically targets sectors vital for economic growth and development, recognizing the importance of attracting and retaining international talent and investment. Firms interested in participating in the Trusted Employer Scheme have until September 4 to submit their applications, providing a clear deadline for businesses to engage with this beneficial programme. This initiative shows the department's commitment to supporting the business community and contributing to the nation's economic prosperity.
