Home Affairs Department extends working hours during Easter holidays

Loyiso Langeni
02 April 2015

The Department of Home Affairs has extended working hours at a number of selected ports of entries across the country during the Easter holidays. 

The department has also deployed an additional 127 staff to the ports of entry to enhance service delivery levels.

Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba said key stakeholders engaged on the time and dates to effect the extended operational hours.

Minister Gigaba during last year’s Easter weekend from the 17^th to the 22^nd of April our immigration service processed a total 754 616 travellers at South Africa’s National Ports of Entry.

“This figure comprise 535 960 foreigners and 218 000 South Africans. The highest volume ports of entry for the 2014 Easter weekend were Oliver Tambo International Airport, Bake Bridge, Maseru, Libombo Fiksburg, Oshoek and Groblers Bridge.” Gigaba added.

Meanwhile Minister Gigaba said the department is ready for this Easter Holidays. The department has held consultation with leaders of the Zionist Christian Church to urge their members to travel gradually rather than on a single day as they embark on their pilgrimage during Easter.

Gigaba said I would like to inform citizens and all our clients that, we are ready swiftly with the highest level of professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness to process all travellers in and out of South Africa during this period.

“I would also like to express our gratitude to the departmental officials, particularly stationed at ports of entry and those who are volunteers in other section and for dedicated service and willingness to serve in such a critical time” Gigaba added.