by: Odwa Mkentane Community activist and founder of the Nehemiah Call Initiative Pastor Dean Ramjoomia held a protest outside the Home Affairs building in the Cape Town CBD on Thursday against the call by the March and March group to deport illegal foreigners, stating that the call is only targeted at poor Black people. Ramjoomia held a protest outside the Home Affairs building on Thursday morning and later went to […]
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has unveiled the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which uses artificial intelligence to combat corruption. Speaking at the Sun City Tourism Leadership Conference, he explained that the digital platform will automate visa applications, passport verification, and selfie-to-passport matching. Initially, the system will apply to tourist visas of less than 90 days, aiming to improve efficiency, border security and promote tourism and investment. "The system […]
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has called on the Electoral Commission (IEC) to modernize its systems in line with the department’s digital transformation initiatives. Speaking at the IEC conference on electronic voting technologies in Cape Town, Schreiber outlined plans to expand the use of smart identity cards, introduce digital IDs by 2029, and upgrade the national population register. He emphasized that these advancements should streamline the voting process, improve efficiency, […]
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has welcomed South Africa's rise in the Henley Passport Index, moving from 53rd in 2024 to 48th in early 2025—its highest ranking in a decade. Schreiber highlighted this progress as a foundation, noting plans to introduce biometric e-passports and enhance digital security for passports and visas. VOC News Photo:
By Ragheema Mclean The Department of Home Affairs has announced extended operating hours to support Grade 12 learners preparing for their final examinations. Starting today (21 September), all Home Affairs branches across the country will be open every Saturday until 12 October 2024, from 08:00 to 13:00. Matriculants will receive priority service; however, the department will also accommodate other requests based on daily capacity. Minister Leon Schreiber emphasized that this […]
By Ragheema Mclean New Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has announced the extension of temporary concessions for foreign nationals awaiting the outcome of visa, waiver, and appeal applications. The move aims to address the significant backlog in visa processing and improve service delivery at Home Affairs offices across South Africa. Visa holders who applied for a waiver and whose applications were still pending as of June 30th have been granted […]
by Loushe Jordaan Gilbert With the national and provincial elections taking place on the 29th May 2024, Home Affairs extended its operating hours to accommodate those who may need an Identity Document (ID) or temp to register to vote. Although this may be seen as a good gesture, many people have come forward saying that the system used at home affairs and any other government institution is not well run. […]
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has accused Pakinstani national of getting transit visas to go to other countries through South Africa, and escaping to find a route in South Africa illegally at the airport. He says his department has noticed this “tendency” and it is out to stop it. The Home Affairs ministers says 67 Pakistani nationals were denied entry into South Africa at the OR Tambo International Airport during […]
The African National Congress is not going to amend the Constitution in order to tackle illegal migration. This was confirmed as the party unveiled the resolutions from its 55th national conference, which took place in December. The party adopted the Migration Policy Framework which seeks to address illegal migration – a prominent feature of the conference, as the rise of anti-immigrant groups have forced government to face the issue head […]
VOC became the first Muslim radio station in South Africa when a special events license was granted to the station in Ramadan/January 1995. Subsequent temporary broadcast licenses were granted, permitting the station to broadcast for 24 hours.
