Biometrics to Play Key Role in South Africa Home Affairs Digital Upgrade

The South African Department of Home Affairs, led by Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber, has unveiled a five-year plan to transition to a fully digital-first department by 2029. The “Home Affairs @ Home” initiative aims to eliminate in-person visits at offices by providing online access to civic and immigration services, including applications for IDs, passports, and electronic travel authorizations (ETAs).

The platform will leverage a secure, biometrics-linked system for identity verification and an automated risk engine to process applications, with human intervention required only for anomalies.

Biometric technology will play a crucial role in enhancing national security by preventing identity fraud and detecting forged documents. Travelers entering South Africa will submit biometrics for instant verification, and digital codes linked to passports will eventually replace paper visas. The system will also integrate with the movement control system to track overstays and notify immigration officials in real time.

The initiative will be supported by partnerships with accredited banks and retailers to increase access to Home Affairs services nationwide without relying on new physical offices.

“Through the implementation of this vision over the next five years, we aim to enable everyone with an internet connection to access Home Affairs services online – and it will transform every library or community centre equipped with an internet-connection into a virtual Home Affairs office,” said Dr. Schreiber. “While we undertake the process of digital transformation, these reforms will also be supplemented by the rapid advancement of existing partnerships with accredited banks and retailers, to expand the footprint of Home Affairs across the length and breadth of the country without incurring the costs and delays of investing in new brick-and-mortar buildings.”

Last month, South Africa’s Department of Transport announced the selection of IDEMIA Identity and Security South Africa to produce the country’s new smart driver’s licenses. The new licenses will feature biometric data, holograms, and watermarks to prevent fraud and counterfeiting. IDEMIA was chosen from five competing bids. The smart licenses will be valid for eight years and will be produced within five working days, significantly improving previous processing times.

Source: Cape Town etc

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October 1, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith