Intention to investigate the validity of the Blocked Identity documents and call for representations

1. The Department of Home Affairs (“the Department”) hereby notifies the public of its intention to:
   • Investigate whether any identity number/document/ card against which a marker has been placed before November 2022, and which to date remains blocked, correctly reflects the particulars of the person to whom the identity number/document/card was assigned.
2. This notice is issued in accordance with Section 3 of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (Act No. 3 of 2000), which mandates procedurally fair administrative action for all affected persons.
3. The identity documents and cards in question were blocked under Section 19 of the Identification Act (Act No. 68 of 1997), without due notice. These cases include, but are not limited to, records classified as duplicates, illegal immigrants, and citizens of Namibia, formerly South West Africa.
4. The department may consider unblocking the identity numbers of the affected individuals, however, may cancel these documents, in the event of a finding that they:
   • Were issued to individuals who do not qualify for inclusion in the National Population Register.
   • Contain incorrect personal particulars.
   • Were obtained through fraud, false statements or incorrect information.
   • Were forged, altered, stolen or unlawfully manipulated.

CALL FOR REPRESENTATIONS:

5. If your identity document is currently blocked, you must take action now to prevent its possible permanent cancellation.
6. All affected persons are invited to visit any Home Affairs front office in person to provide the Department with written and oral representations explaining why their blocked identity numbers/documents/cards that correctly reflect their particulars as the persons to whom the identity numbers/documents/cards were assigned, should not have been blocked, therefore, should not be cancelled.
7. DEADLINE: You have until 30 June 2026 to submit your representations in person at any Department of Home Affairs office, together with all relevant supporting documentation.
8. If you fail to submit your supporting documents within this 6-weeks window period, the Department will proceed with the cancellation of your identity number without further notice.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

9. When visiting a Home Affairs office, please bring the following (where applicable) to assist in resolving your status:
   • Original Birth certificate / handwritten birth certificate.
   • Original Clinic Card/Confirmation of birth.
   • Copy of Hospital Register /proof of birth.
   • Parents’ IDs/Reference book, or Death Certificate.
   • Primary School extract and a copy of the School Register.
   • House Permit or a Letter from the Tribal Authority.
   • Affidavit from parents/informant and copy of the informant’s ID.
   • Any other document that proves your identity or legal status.

→ REQUIRED ACTION: Please visit your nearest Department of Home Affairs office immediately to ensure your records are regularised.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS