Home Affairs Extends Operating Hours: New Hours from 07 to 21 July 2025
Department of Home Affairs Extends Weekday Closing Time to 18:00 to Assist Learners and Walk-In Clients
In a welcome move to improve public service delivery and accommodate learners during the winter school break, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has officially extended its operating hours by two additional hours each weekday, from 07 to 21 July 2025.
This temporary extension means that Home Affairs offices across the country will close at 18:00 instead of the usual 16:00, allowing extra time for South Africans to apply for or collect their Smart ID Cards, passports, and other essential documents.
A Lifeline for Learners During School Holidays
The Department has specifically timed the extension to align with the school holiday period, recognising the critical need for learners to apply for and collect their IDs. Many of these learners are preparing for matric exams, university applications, or job opportunities and require identification to proceed.
Speaking on the extension, Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber stated:
“I would like to encourage all clients who have applied for their identification documents and have been waiting for three weeks or more, to seize this opportunity by visiting their Home Affairs office to collect these critical documents at their convenience.”
What’s New at Your Local Home Affairs Office
To make the process even smoother, the Department has implemented a few service enhancements:
- Dedicated Collection Counters:
In larger Home Affairs offices, dedicated counters for collection of Smart ID Cards and passports have been introduced where space allows. This aims to reduce queues and wait times for clients who are simply there to collect documents. - Online Booking System – BABS:
Clients can book appointments online using the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) available on the DHA website. The booking platform allows clients to schedule time slots for both applications and collections to minimise waiting. 🔗 Book your appointment here - Walk-ins Still Welcome:
For those who may not have access to online booking, walk-ins are still being accommodated across all Home Affairs offices.
When and Where You Can Go
📍 Operating Period:
Monday, 07 July to Sunday, 21 July 2025
📅 Extended Weekday Hours:
08:00 – 18:00 (Monday to Friday)
⛔ Note: Weekend hours remain unchanged unless otherwise communicated by the Department.
For a full list of office locations, visit the DHA official website.
Why This Matters
Whether you’re a student needing your first ID, a parent collecting a passport for your child, or a worker renewing your documents, these extended hours offer a convenient and much-needed window to access essential services.
By increasing capacity during a peak period and introducing streamlined collection procedures, Home Affairs is taking a proactive step to ease service backlogs and improve the overall customer experience.
Media Contact for More Info
📞 Siya Qoza
Spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs
📱 082 898 1657
The Department of Home Affairs’ decision to extend weekday hours during the winter break is a smart, people-first move that supports learners, working individuals, and the general public. With dedicated counters, optional online booking, and the flexibility of walk-ins, Home Affairs is showing a new commitment to service accessibility.
Don’t miss this opportunity—make the most of the extended hours between 07 and 21 July 2025!
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