Individuals with identity documents (IDs) blocked before November 2022 have been granted a deadline of July 10, 2026, to submit representations to initiate the unblocking process. The Department of Home Affairs has launched a campaign to address these cases, providing a defined period for affected citizens to resolve their documentation issues. This initiative aims to streamline the process for individuals seeking to unblock their IDs.
How to Unblock Your ID
Individuals seeking to unblock their identity documents (IDs) must personally visit any Department of Home Affairs office, excluding refugee reception centres and banks, to submit representations by July 10, 2026. The department stated that affected individuals are invited to submit representations explaining why their identity numbers should be unblocked, in accordance with section 3 of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) of 2000. This process requires individuals to appear in person at a Home Affairs front office. The department further clarified, "Individuals with blocked IDs must visit any Home Affairs office, excluding refugee reception centres and banks, to submit representations by 10 July 2026. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the affected identity numbers following the completion of the administrative process." Both written and oral representations will be accepted.
Reasons for Blocked IDs
The Department of Home Affairs may cancel identity documents or records if they were issued to individuals not qualifying for inclusion in the National Population Register. Other reasons for cancellation include incorrect personal particulars, IDs obtained through fraud, false statements, misrepresentation, or incorrect information. Documents that have been forged, altered, stolen, or unlawfully manipulated also fall under these criteria. The department stated, "Individuals with blocked IDs must visit any Home Affairs office, excluding refugee reception centres and banks, to submit representations by 10 July 2026. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the affected identity numbers following the completion of the administrative process." Additionally, a number of IDs were blocked under Section 19 of the Identification Act (Act no.68 of 1997), specifically those classified as duplicates and cases where an individual's status requires verification.
Campaign Goals and Progress
The Department of Home Affairs is launching a nationwide campaign to assist individuals whose identity documents were blocked prior to November 2022 and to ensure the integrity of the National Population Register. To date, 2,202,368 identity numbers have been unblocked as part of this ongoing initiative. The department stated that "in accordance with section 3 of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) of 2000, affected individuals are invited to submit representations explaining why their identity numbers should be unblocked." This process aims to provide a clear pathway for resolution. The department further clarified that "individuals with blocked IDs must visit any Home Affairs office, excluding refugee reception centres and banks, to submit representations by 10 July 2026." Failure to comply, according to the department, "may result in the cancellation of the affected identity numbers following the completion of the administrative process."
Consequences of Inaction
Failure to submit representations by July 10, 2026, may result in the cancellation of the affected identity numbers, according to the Department of Home Affairs. The department indicated this would occur following the completion of its administrative process, emphasizing the urgency of citizen compliance within the specified timeframe.
