Home Affairs Goes Digital

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has unveiled an ambitious plan to revolutionise the department with a new digital platform. The goal is to eliminate the need for in-person visits to Home Affairs offices. This forward-thinking initiative is designed to transition the department from a paper-based, manual system into a modern, streamlined, and secure digital institution.

The cornerstone of this vision is an end-to-end digital platform that will handle all applications, adjudications, and communications between South Africans and the department. This platform promises to make every function Home Affairs provides accessible online through a secure portal, much like the familiar online banking systems used by many South Africans today.

Minister Schreiber highlighted the innovative use of existing facial and fingerprint recognition technologies, similar to Face ID and fingerprint sensors found on smartphones. These tools will help create secure profiles for South African citizens and visitors, significantly enhancing security and convenience.

This digital transformation will eliminate the need for physical visits for routine transactions,” Schreiber stated. He added that this shift would not only streamline services but also improve the working environment for Home Affairs staff. Staff will be able to focus on more meaningful and complex tasks, such as assisting the most vulnerable members of society, including those in rural areas and individuals who do not yet use smart devices.

The new system will incorporate advanced machine learning technology to verify application completeness, authenticate users, check documents for fraud, perform facial recognition, and process cashless transactions, all within seconds. This will drastically reduce waiting times, eliminate queues, and prevent bribery.

Schreiber also envisions a future where IDs and passports could be delivered directly to applicants anywhere in the world, similar to how banks deliver debit and credit cards.

Pushing for Digital Transformation

This push for digital transformation is not new for Minister Schreiber. He has previously expressed a desire for Home Affairs to emulate the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which has successfully modernised its operations to become one of the most efficient tax authorities globally. Minister Schreiber is confident in the government’s ability to drive this change, citing the recent 50% reduction in the visa backlog as evidence of the department’s capacity to achieve its goals when focused and collaborative.

With the visa backlog on track to be fully cleared by December 2024, the department is poised to enter a new era of efficiency and accessibility, revolutionising how South Africans interact with Home Affairs.

Home Affairs goes digital

At June Luna Immigration Attorneys, we are committed to staying ahead of the changes brought by Home Affairs’ digital transformation. With the new system simplifying processes and reducing wait times, our team is equipped to assist you with navigating this transition smoothly.

Whether you need help with applications for visas, IDs, or other immigration matters, we’ll make the process as seamless as possible for you. Let us handle the complexities while you enjoy the benefits of Home Affairs’ modernisation. Contact us today for more information.