CAPE TOWN – Home Office offices will extend their opening hours by two hours over the next 10 days.

Between Tuesday December 10 and December 20, all offices will only close at 6 p.m. instead of 4 p.m.

Where possible, the Ministry of Interior has also set up dedicated counters in its major offices for the collection of ID cards and smart passports.

The department said it would allow walk-ins for those who have been unable to book application and collection appointments through its online booking system.

Minister Leon Schreiber appeals to those who have been waiting for three weeks or more after applying for identity documents.

He said the extended office hours were introduced to facilitate travel during the festive period and to reduce waiting time in queues during the festive period.