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Answers to your questions

Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Please note: GroundUp is just a news agency. We are not lawyers or financial advisors, and we have nothing to do with SASSA, Home Affairs, or any other government bodies. We do our best to make the answers accurate using publicly available information, but we cannot accept any legal liability if there are errors. If you notice any discrepancies, please email [email protected].

Topic: Home Affairs  |  Show questions and answers for all topics

My family acquired British citizenship. Is it possible to reinstate our South African citizenship and have dual citizenship?

There is no need for a formal application, your family's South African citizenship should be legally restored.

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Where can I apply for an ID online?

You can submit ID and passport applications and payments on the eHomeAffairs website.

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Can I cancel my fraudulent South African ID now that I have a permit that allows me to live in the country?

No, I'm afraid it's not possible.

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How can a long-term foreign mine worker in South Africa apply for permanent residence after many years of annual work permit renewals?

You qualify for permanent residence in terms of section 26 (a) of the Immigration Act, you can apply at Home Affairs, though the process can be slow.

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How can I get Home Affairs to send my biometrics to the Master of the High Court in order to release my inheritance from the Guardian's Fund?

You can write a letter to the Minister of Home Affairs and explain your situation.

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How can I apply for an official birth certificate and ID for my 18-year-old son after the document provided by his late grandmother was confirmed as fake by Home Affairs?

You will have to apply for a Late Registration of Birth for your son.

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I have been waiting for 10 months for a late registration of birth interview. How can I fast track this process and get my ID?

You can ask the Black Sash to assist you to speed up the LRB interview process if possible.

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How can I obtain my late wife's death certificate to apply for a disability grant if her family refuses to give me the original?

As the surviving spouse, you can apply for a copy of the death certificate from Home Affairs and have it certified.

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What can I do if someone lied about the year they were born when applying for an ID and now wants to rectify it?

He would likely need legal assistance – supplying false information on an identity card could lead to a fine or even imprisonment.

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How can my friend’s child, born in the DRC while her asylum-seeker mother was away, be registered in South Africa?

Your friend should approach organisations such as Scalabrini, who help immigrants and refugees in South Africa.

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