Dear Department of Internal Affairs,

Could you kindly provide details on the Citizenship by grant application process, focusing on the following questions:

1. Could you verify the number of pending applications from 2023 and provide information on how many are still awaiting assignment to a case officer? Additionally, could you specify which work stream they are in and the dates they submitted their applications?

2. How many case officers are currently assigned to manage each workstream for 2023 applicants?

3. Is priority given to older applications when assigning case officers?

4. Despite the backlog of 2023 applications, there have been reports of approvals for 2024 applicants. Could you please clarify how resources are allocated for processing 2023 applications?

5. Regarding the use of automated checks during assessment, why doesn't the system prompt applicants to rectify failed aspects such as the absence of last names in identity details? For example, could the system request another face image or identity document in a different format, or a document from a Justice of the Peace to verify the name?

6. The DIA call centre often emphasizes that each application is handled differently. Could you explain the factors influencing this differentiation? Is it related to existing passports, ethnicity, or specific countries of origin?

Thank you for your assistance in addressing these inquiries

Josh