Home Affairs Delivers Long Awaited Passport Relief for South Africans Abroad

After decades of delays, frustration, and outdated systems, South Africans living abroad are finally seeing meaningful reform. In July 2025, the Department of Home Affairs, under DA Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber, launched new passport application centres in Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Wellington, and Dubai. Managed through VFS Global, these centres now allow South Africans abroad to apply for adult and child passports – and in Australia and New Zealand also for birth certificates – without needing to visit a consulate. Most importantly, they offer a five-week turnaround time, a major improvement from the previous 6 to 12-month wait.

This rollout is part of a phased global expansion that will extend to Perth in September, followed by China, France, Germany, and the Netherlands later in 2025, and North America in 2026. These centres are an interim solution to relieve backlogs and restore dignity to citizens abroad. The Department’s ultimate goal is “Home Affairs @ Home”, a fully digital platform that will allow South Africans anywhere in the world to access key services online.

This progress is the direct result of persistent pressure and collaboration between the DA Abroad and the Department of Home Affairs. For years, the DA Abroad has raised the alarm on the severe service challenges facing citizens overseas, many of whom have waited more than a year for basic services. We are proud to see this advocacy delivering results. While this is just the beginning, the next few years promise further transformative changes, and we will continue to keep South Africans abroad informed and empowered every step of the way.