Passports and IDs may soon be applied for via bank apps

SOUTH African citizens could soon be able to apply for passports and smart ID cards through their banking apps, eliminating the need to visit Home Affairs offices or even bank branches.

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

This potential leap forward was recently confirmed by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, following an inquiry by MyBroadband.

According to Schreiber, the department is actively working towards the goal of delivering core Home Affairs services virtually, with the integration into banking apps forming a key part of that vision.

"Our goal is to enable our services to be available virtually, including through banking apps, so that clients can access those services from the comfort of their own homes," Schreiber told MyBroadband.

He emphasised that the current rollout of Home Affairs services at selected bank branches is a vital step toward this future. "This is all part of the same process, as integrating Home Affairs services onto banking platforms in branches is the logical precursor to delivering those same services online and on apps," he said.