On May 12, 2025, naturalized citizens and lawful permanent residents of South Africa became eligible to apply for Smart Card IDs. The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, announced the change, noting that it is the first time in South African history such residents were allowed to apply for the biometric-enabled card. It is estimated that the expanded eligibility will benefit 1.4 million individuals.
The minister called the development “the single most significant milestone yet on Home Affairs’ exciting journey of digital transformation—with much more still to come.”
The move to issue Smart Card IDs to this previously excluded population was made possible by the Department’s recent IT upgrades, which reflect South Africa’s commitment to building a modern and secure national identification system.
South Africa’s Smart ID Card
Previously, naturalized citizens and permanent residents were issued South Africa’s outdated green bar-coded ID book, which is vulnerable to fraud and forgery. The Smart ID card is designed with advanced biometric technology and security features that help prevent forgery—a significantly more secure document for both the holder and national security.
Issuance of the Smart ID cards to this special population will be prioritized so that applications of individuals from visa-exempt countries will be processed first.
Sources/References:
South Africa Department of Home Affairs
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