

Unabridged Birth Certificates
What is an Unabridged Birth Certificate and why are they now required for my child?
The unabridged birth certificate is essentially an official, machine printed document issued by the South African Home Affairs department. The document which can be apostilled and legalised, is required to be presented by minors under the age of 18 to immigration officials upon entering or exiting any South African border post.
The requirement was introduced though a new law which became effective on the 1st June 2015 who’s stated aim is to reduce or eliminate the chance of child trafficking through South African border posts.
In the years prior to its introduction, up to 14 000 minors per annum – most of whom were under the age of 14 – passed through the country’s borders, the vast majority undocumented.
It is advised that this document be in one’s possession prior to finalising any international travel arrangements.
The unabridged birth certificate depicts the following information:
Full details of the minor’s father being:
- The minor’s fathers first and Christian names
- The minor’s father’s surname
- The minor’s father’s date and country of birth
- The minor’s father’s RSA identity number
- The minor’s father’s marital status
Full details of the minor’s mother being:
- The minor’s mother’s first name and Christian names
- The minor’s mother’s surname
- The minor’s mother’s date and country of birth
- The minor’s mother’s RSA identity number
- The minor’s mother’s marital status
Details of the minor being:
- The minors Christian names
- The minor’s surname
- The minor’s Id number
- The minor’s gender
- The minor’s date and place of birth
- The minor’s country of birth
- Endorsements if any
Do you need to travel but can’t be bear to queue at home affairs?
Q-Pro can help.
Q-pro is an independent document sourcing specialist with no ties to Home Affairs.