SACCUSA President Mr. Neil Diamond congratulated the Honourable Dr. Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, on the official opening of the first Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Service Centre in the United States, located in New York City.

This marks a major breakthrough in improving access to vital DHA services for the South African Diaspora in the US. The new VFS Global Service Centre forms part of the DHA’s modernization program aimed at making it easier and more efficient for South Africans abroad to apply for and renew their passports and register births.

Mr. Diamond expressed his excitement about the important role SACCUSA played in sharing information and recommendations to guide the planned rollout of additional DHA service centres through VFS Global in early 2026 — including Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, and Houston.

This initiative will significantly enhance service delivery, with passport processing times expected between 8–12 weeks and home delivery options available.

SACCUSA remains committed to strengthening cooperation between the South African and the diaspora community across the United States.