South Africa Allows Entry for Stranded Palestinian Refugees After Prolonged Delay

On November 13, 2025, a chartered flight carrying over 150 Palestinian refugees from Gaza was stranded at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport for approximately 12 hours due to issues with their travel documentation. The passengers were initially denied entry by South African authorities because they lacked exit stamps in their passports, a requirement enforced by the Border Management Authority (BMA). The flight, operated by Global Airways, had transported the refugees from Nairobi, Kenya, after they fled escalating violence in Gaza.

UPDATE: 160 Palestinian refugees finally allowed entry into SA after 13-hour ordeal on the tarmacOver 150 Palestinian refugees stranded for hours at OR Tambo before being allowed entryUPDATE: 153 Palestinian refugee passengers denied entry into South Africai24NEWSOver 150 Palestinian refugees finally disembark in South Africa after nine-hour airport ordeal

The situation was resolved when South Africa's Ministry of Home Affairs authorized the refugees to disembark after receiving assurances from the humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers, which committed to providing accommodation for the refugees during their stay. Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder of Gift of the Givers, criticized the Israeli authorities for not stamping the passports of the refugees, asserting that this was a deliberate act to exacerbate their suffering. He stated, “Israel deliberately did not stamp the passports of these poor people to exacerbate their suffering in a foreign country.”

Over 150 Palestinian refugees finally disembark in South Africa after nine-hour airport ordealOver 160 Palestinian refugees arrive at OR Tambo after visa impasseOver 170 Palestinian refugees arrive in South Africa: Gift of the Givers commends government effortsPalestinian refugees denied entry and stranded at OR Tambo airport. - FullviewGift of the Givers unhappy with Home Affairs treatment of 153 Palestinian refugeesOver 150 Palestinian refugees stranded for hours at OR Tambo before being allowed entry

Following the incident, Gift of the Givers expressed gratitude to South African officials, including Minister Ronald Lamola and Director-General Zane Dangor, for their intervention. However, Sooliman noted that the Home Affairs Ministry could have acted sooner on humanitarian grounds. The organization emphasized that the BMA was adhering to its mandate but highlighted the need for a more compassionate approach in such humanitarian crises.

Over 150 Palestinian refugees finally disembark in South Africa after nine-hour airport ordeal

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) initially claimed ignorance of the situation, leading to confusion regarding the government's awareness of the refugees' plight. Sooliman countered this by asserting that senior officials were indeed informed and involved in facilitating the refugees' entry.

Gift of Givers welcomes Palestinian refugees to South Africa as Dirco claims it is unaware of development

This incident reflects South Africa's longstanding policy of supporting the Palestinian cause, which includes legal actions against Israel at international courts. The South African government has previously accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, further complicating the geopolitical landscape surrounding these humanitarian efforts.

Gift of Givers welcomes Palestinian refugees to South Africa as Dirco claims it is unaware of development

While the majority of reports indicate that the refugees were eventually allowed to disembark, there are discrepancies regarding the exact number of passengers and the duration of their confinement. Some sources report the wait as nine hours, while others state it was over 12 hours. Additionally, the circumstances surrounding the lack of exit stamps remain contentious, with accusations directed at Israeli authorities for deliberately complicating the refugees' situation.

Over 150 Palestinian refugees stranded for hours at OR Tambo before being allowed entry

• “Israel deliberately did not stamp the passports of these poor people to exacerbate their suffering in a foreign country.” — Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers

UPDATE: 153 Palestinian refugee passengers denied entry into South Africa

• “ “The Border Management Authority acted in keeping with their mandate not to allow passengers without an exit stamp to disembark.” — Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers

Over 170 Palestinian refugees arrive in South Africa: Gift of the Givers commends government efforts

• “We are grateful that the Minister of DIRCO took the initiative to write to the Ministry of Home Affairs to waive this requirement, yet this could have been implemented by Home Affairs unilaterally on humanitarian grounds.” — Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers

Gift of Givers welcomes Palestinian refugees to South Africa as Dirco claims it is unaware of development

As the refugees begin to settle in South Africa, Gift of the Givers and other civil society organizations are preparing to provide essential support and assistance to address their immediate needs.

Over 160 Palestinian refugees arrive at OR Tambo after visa impasse