Green ID book production to be discontinued in SA
The Department of Home Affairs is planning to phase out the green ID book in SA with the intention of discontinuing its production.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) plans to discontinue the production of the green barcoded ID book within a few months. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber emphasises the need to replace the green ID book with the smart ID card, citing its vulnerability to fraud.
Why Green ID Books Need to be Replaced
The green ID book is "500% more vulnerable" to fraud than the smart ID card. This vulnerability has contributed significantly to identity theft and fraud in the country. Minister Schreiber stressed that the transition to smart ID cards is crucial to addressing these issues, reports MyBroadband.
One of the main challenges in the transition process is that 101 out of 348 Home Affairs offices still do not have the capability to issue smart IDs. These offices continue to issue the green ID book, which perpetuates the problem of identity theft and fraud.
To overcome this challenge, the DHA will scale up its existing pilot collaboration with banks to rapidly accelerate access to smart IDs. This partnership aims to ensure that citizens have access to secure and reliable identification documents.
The planned discontinuation date for the green ID book is unclear, with possibilities being either December 2025 or March 2026. The department's revised strategic plan for 2025 to 2030 shows it aims to have universal access to smart ID cards by 2029.
The end of green ID book production will not mean the document will be immediately invalidated as an official proof of identity.
ALSO READ: Schreiber: Green ID will be 'phased out'
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