Public Comment Deadline Extended for Draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship and Immigration

“Since the publication of the Draft Revised White Paper, the department has received valuable written submissions from members of the public and key stakeholders,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

The Department of Home Affairs has extended the deadline for the submission of public comments on the Draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection from 31 January 2026 to 15 February 2026, in a move aimed at broadening public participation and inclusivity.

The Draft Revised White Paper was published for public comment on 12 December 2025, with the department emphasising that public consultation is a critical component of the policy development process. The extension follows the festive season and is intended to allow more individuals and stakeholders sufficient time to engage meaningfully with the proposed policy.

“Since the publication of the Draft Revised White Paper, the department has received valuable written submissions from members of the public and key stakeholders,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

How to Submit Comments

Members of the public may submit written comments until 15 February 2026 through the following channels:

• Email: Whitepaper@dha.gov.za

• Post: The Director-General, Department of Home Affairs, Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001

Public Engagement Sessions Underway

To further enhance public participation, the department is conducting a series of provincial public engagement sessions, as well as a national public consultation, scheduled to take place between 15 and 30 January 2026.

The Draft Revised White Paper and an accompanying public consultation questionnaire are available for download on the Department of Home Affairs website.

The department encouraged all interested parties, including civil society organisations, academia, business, and affected communities, to participate in the consultation process.