Latest news with #NationalPopulationRegistry
The South African
27-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
BIG price HIKE coming for critical Home Affairs verification checks
Real-time Home Affairs verification technology has been available for more than a decade now. Essentially, what it is, is any third-party company or private individual can access the National Population Registry (NPR). As such, the service allows registered users – mostly banks and financial service providers – to confirm biographical data of their clients. Of course, such Home Affairs verification doesn't come for free. And since its launch back in 2013 the cost of such a service was a mere 15c per enquiry. But that's all about to change … Minister Schreiber says the 'staggeringly underfunded' system was leading to persistent system offline failures. Image: File From next week, Tuesday 1 July 2025, the cost of Home Affairs verification is going to increase by 666%, reports BusinessTech . According to reports, from next month, a single real-time Home Affairs verification check will cost R10 per enquiry. As this directly affects banks and financial service providers, experts are concerned the additional cost will be transferred to the public through increased bank fees. According to Department of Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber: 'The pervious 15c rate was staggeringly and completely unsustainable. Moreover, it was well below market-related prices charged for comparable services.' Progress towards a fully digital system at Home Affairs continues unabated. Image: File However, to compensate for the increase, the system will allow for other types of verifications. For example, R1 per verification for bulk enquires can be made during off-peak periods, confirmed the department. Initially, a price change was gazetted to take effect from 1 April. However, this was subsequently withdrawn and republished. Furthermore, the department explained: 'Extreme underpricing led to failure rates in excess of 50%, which contributed to system-offline failures. Plus, the demands on Home Affairs verification technology – through the likes of SASSA grants – now far outstrip the capacity it was originally designed for.' Importantly, there will continue to be no charge for this service by other government departments like SASSA. Will banks have no other option to up their fees, or will ID security verification become more lacklustre as a result? Image: File Previously, at 15c per enquiry, even successful verifications would often take hours. This directly undermined the efficacy of the Home Affairs verification service. 'However, from 1 July 2025, it will perform in real-time and the failure rate is guaranteed below 1%. Regarding the sharp increase in costs, the new fees are appropriate for the service provided, and not unreasonable when viewed against the organisations utilising the service,' concluded the department. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Morocco World
17-02-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Amina Bouayach Calls for Improved Social Protection Governance in Morocco
Rabat – Amina Bouayach, President of the Moroccan Human Rights Council (CNDH), discussed today the importance of social protection in the country, particularly in light of international standards. Bouayach made the remarks while addressing the 9th International Parliamentary Forum on Social Justice, held in the House of Counselors. She began by acknowledging the ongoing efforts to expand social protection in Morocco, a key goal for the government aiming to ensure universal coverage by 2025. She explained that social protection is both a fundamental human right and a key to development. Bouayach referred to international documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which outline the importance of guaranteeing social protection for all citizens. Bouayach also discussed Morocco's strides in improving social protection over the past three decades, recalling the launch of the social protection reform by King Mohammed VI in 2021. This initiative is seen as a major 'structural shift' in the country's efforts to secure social rights for all citizens, the CNDH president said, noting that the framework law 09.21 was an important step towards building a robust social protection system. While the council has observed positive progress in expanding coverage, Bouayach identified several challenges. Among these were delays in the registration process for the National Population Registry and the Unified Social Registry, which have left some citizens excluded from direct social support programs. She also mentioned difficulties related to the transition from the RAMED system to mandatory health insurance, as well as the sustainability of funding for the programs, especially for vulnerable groups. Bouayach also mentioned issues such as the unequal distribution of services, especially in rural areas, need to be addressed. She also raised concerns about the lack of communication from authorities, which makes it difficult for some citizens to access social protection benefits. CNDH President concluded by calling for better governance, an updated management system, and sustainable financing to overcome these challenges. She noted the importance of aligning Morocco's social protection system with international standards, citing key International Labour Organization conventions, including those on maternity protection and social security.
