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Immigration News Alert

South Africa Expands Smart ID Access for Permanent Residents

Key Point 

  • South Africa will allow permanent residents and naturalized citizens to apply for a Smart ID, replacing the older green barcoded ID book

Digital ID Rollout 

South Africa began issuing Smart IDs to eligible applicants from visa-exempt countries, marking a shift away from the older green barcoded ID book. The system is functioning smoothly, with strong initial demand. Due to high application volumes, the rollout is currently limited to visa-exempt individuals, with plans to include applicants from visa-required countries once processing capacity allows. 

The department will announce when the next phase begins. For reference, a list of visa-exempt countries is available here. 

Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Envoy Global is not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. If you would like guidance on how this information may impact your particular situation and you are a client of the U.S. Law Firm, consult your attorney. If you are not a client of the U.S. Law Firm working with Envoy, consult another qualified professional. This website does not create an attorney-client relationship with the U.S. Law Firm. 

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