New ID SMS notification service

STAFF REPORTER



WINDHOEK

The public will in the future be notified via an SMS notification when their identity documents are ready for collection, which will alleviate some of the congestion at the home affairs ministry.

The ministry introduced the notification service for ID application services which is aimed at improving service delivery to the public and has been achieved through a smart partnership with MTC, according to executive director Etienne Maritz.

ID applicants will, therefore, in the future receive an SMS on their cellphone when their application has been approved, when the card has been printed and when their ID is ready for collection.

“We are confident that the ID SMS service will save applicants time and decongest our offices,” Maritz said.

He added that applicants no longer need to visit the ministry’s offices to enquire whether their IDs are ready.

“Additionally, during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, it will also help to reduce the risk of exposure.”

Automated system

Applicants who provide correct cellphone numbers during the application stage are advised to refrain from enquiring in person and to instead wait until they receive the notification. The messages will be sent automatically without the applicants requesting for them.

“We are also pleased to announce that in the near future, applicants will be able to enquire on their ID applications by sending a text message. This will cover other services of the ministry as well,” Maritz said.