Pretoria: The Department of Home Affairs is extending operating hours at its offices from 7 – 21 July 2025. In a statement on Monday, the department announced a two-hour extension in operating hours, which will see offices close at 6pm instead of 4pm.
According to South African Government News Agency, the extension aims to assist learners who wish to apply for and collect their IDs during the school holidays. To ease pressure on its clients, the department has also introduced dedicated counters for collections in large offices that process Smart ID Cards and passports, where space allows.
The department is accommodating clients who may not have the opportunity to book appointments by allowing them to visit as walk-ins. Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, encouraged all clients who have applied for identification documents and have been waiting for three weeks or more to take advantage of this opportunity by visiting their local Home Affairs office to collect their documents at their convenience.