Home Affairs sets 10 July deadline for people with blocked ID numbers

The Department of Home Affairs has launched a nationwide campaign asking people whose identity numbers were blocked before November 2022 to visit a Home Affairs front office in person before 10 July 2026 to resolve their status or risk cancellation of their identity numbers.

Who must act and why

Home Affairs said the appeal targets identity numbers that were blocked under provisions of the Identification Act because of issues such as duplicate records, questions over citizenship or identity status, and other cases needing further verification. The department said more than 2.2 million identity numbers have already been unblocked through earlier processes, but many cases remain unresolved.

What affected people must do

The department said anyone whose identity number was blocked before November 2022 must make representations in person at a Home Affairs front office before the 10 July deadline. Home Affairs said representations cannot be submitted through banks or refugee reception centres and must be made directly at a front office.

Affected individuals will be required to provide written and oral explanations, together with supporting documents that can help verify identity and legal status.

Documents to bring

Home Affairs encouraged applicants to bring as much supporting evidence as possible. Examples listed by the department include:

• Original birth certificates
• Clinic cards or birth confirmations
• Hospital birth records
• Parents’ identity documents or death certificates
• School records
• Letters from traditional authorities
• Affidavits from parents or informants
• Any other documentation that can help confirm identity, citizenship or legal status

Possible outcomes and warnings

While the campaign aims to help people regularise their records and protect the integrity of the National Population Register, Home Affairs warned that some identity numbers may ultimately be cancelled if investigations reveal irregularities. The department said cancellation could follow findings that documents were obtained fraudulently, contain incorrect personal information, were unlawfully altered, or belong to individuals who do not qualify for inclusion in the National Population Register.

The department also warned that people who fail to appear in person and provide the required documentation could face cancellation of their identity numbers once the administrative process has been completed.

Why this matters

Home Affairs noted that a valid identity document is essential for accessing services such as employment, bank accounts, study registration and social benefits, and it urged affected people not to wait until the last minute to visit a front office.