eHomeAffairs making passport applications easier

Source: Biz Community, 30/03/2017

Getting your passport has become quicker and easier with the
eHomeAffairs system which Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba
launched a year ago. eHomeAffairs enables South Africans to submit
their application and pay online, or if they live in Cape Town,
Johannesburg or Pretoria, they can step into their local bank.

Online applicants have to have their bio-metrics (fingerprints, a
photograph, and signature) captured at their nearest Home Affairs
office before their application is sent to Pretoria for processing.
Residents of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town can also have their
bio-metrics captured at their nearest supported Absa, FNB, Standard
Bank or Nedbank branch.

“It should be noted, however, that only applicants with access to
internet banking can apply online,” says Andrew Stark, managing
director of Flight Centre Travel Group

He points out that while Johannesburg and Pretoria residents will be
provided with the list of supported banks after they make their
payment, currently the only bank branch that supports this service in
Cape Town is Standard Bank Canal Walk.

“Those outside of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria have to go to
their nearest Home Affairs office to have their fingerprints,
photographs and signature captured. While online applicants who apply
via a bank can make an appointment, those who have to have their
bio-metrics captured at Home Affairs need to queue like other
applicants,” says Stark.

Applicants who apply through a bank can also collect their passport at
the same branch.


No restrictions on who can apply online
Stark â€" who recently applied through a bank for his child’s passport â€"
says there are no restrictions on who can apply online for a passport
or for a renewal.

“When the system was launched, only applicants aged 30 - 35 could
apply online, but that age restriction has now been waived and anyone
can apply online. Those applying for a child’s passport need to
remember that both parents and the child need to be present when
applying. They also have to take along the child’s birth certificate,”
says Stark.

He points out, however, that eHomeaffairs is only for those applying
for a first passport or for a routine renewal. For replacements of
passports that have been lost or stolen or for travel documents
reflecting name changes or other more complicated applications,
applicants should contact the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain
whether they can apply online.
Cutting down time spent in queues

“Many people remember the nightmare that is Home Affairs from years
ago, but things have changed. eHomeaffairs has made it so much easier
for everyone to apply for a passport though the residents of
Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town are obviously the most fortunate
in that they can apply at their local bank. We applaud this initiative
by Minister Gigaba and the Department of Home Affairs. It is a great
initiative and we urge them to roll out supported banks across the
country so everyone can apply for a passport at their local bank. In
any event, eHomeaffairs already cuts down the time people have to
spend in queues, waiting to apply for or renew their passport,” he says.

Stark advised that only South Africans resident in the country can use
the eHomeAffairs website.

South Africans applying for a new passport or who are renewing a
passport need to take along their ID. A regular passport costs R400
while a maxi one costs R600. To apply online, go to eHomeAffairs.