Home Affairs Advances Digital Identity and Immigration Reforms
Brought to you by SAnews: In terms of administrative and immigration reform initiatives under the Immigration Act, No. 13 of 2002, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is accelerating its digital transformation strategy, expanding corporate visa schemes, and implementing digital identity verification mechanisms.
Trusted Employer Scheme and Immigration Reforms
The Department of Home Affairs has expanded the criteria for its Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) to include major infrastructure projects, foreign companies establishing regional headquarters in South Africa, and the financial services sector. Companies seeking to participate in the TES framework have until 4 September to submit their applications.
As part of its core immigration platform reform, the DHA is scaling up the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Designed to replace legacy visa processing models, the ETA incorporates biometric verification, automated risk profiling, and machine learning. Operational metrics for the ETA system show:
- Initial rollout piloted for visitors from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico;
- More than 203 000 total applications processed through the platform;
- Over 5 700 fraudulent applications identified and rejected based on fraudulent passports and manipulated documentation;
- Expansion planned to cover study visa categories by the end of the year; and
- Activation of an online extension module allowing eligible visitors in South Africa, including visa-exempt travelers, to apply digitally for an additional 90-day stay.
These administrative measures follow Cabinet’s adoption of the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection. Government intends to introduce formal enabling legislation to Parliament at the start of the upcoming financial year.
Decentralised Smart ID and Digital Identity Processing
Under the ‘Home Affairs @ home’ initiative, the DHA is decentralising citizen identity processing through partnerships with commercial banks. Key implementation details include:
- Processing of 422 119 Smart ID Card applications through bank branch channels in a four-month period;
- Expansion of Smart ID replacement service points from 214 DHA operational offices to 541 sites, with planned coverage reaching over 750 bank branches by year-end;
- Introduction of passport applications and first-time Smart ID issuance for adults and minors at participating bank branches by year-end;
- Implementation of direct courier delivery options for identity documents and passports scheduled before the end of 2026; and
- Phased transition toward the eventual withdrawal and phasing out of the green barcoded identity document, supported by the concurrent development of a voluntary Digital ID mobile platform.
What this means for you, your business, or your clients
- For yourself: Individuals should transition from green barcoded identity books to Smart ID cards via participating bank branches ahead of the planned phase-out of legacy identity documents.
- For your business: Qualifying businesses operating in financial services, infrastructure, or corporate headquarters must complete and submit applications for the Trusted Employer Scheme by 4 September to access expedited corporate visa processing.
- For your clients: Foreign national clients and foreign employees currently in South Africa can utilize the new digital extension module to apply online for a 90-day visa extension without visiting a physical visa facilitation center.
Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/home-affairs-minister-directs-efforts-reducing-red-tape-digitalisation