South Africa Revokes 90-Day Visa Exemption for Palestinian Travelers

The South African Department of Home Affairs has revoked the 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian ordinary passport holders, citing deliberate abuse of the exemption by Israeli actors involved in "voluntary emigration" efforts for residents of the Gaza Strip. Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber stated that this decision follows investigations and recommendations from national intelligence structures and consultations within the security cluster. The revocation was prompted by findings that many Palestinian travelers arriving on charter flights lacked essential documentation, such as return tickets and accommodation in South Africa.

Times of South Africa

The investigations revealed that charter flights were organized not by the travelers themselves but by intermediaries, with passengers often receiving one-way tickets and being restricted to carrying only US dollars and essential items. According to Schreiber, upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, it became evident that many travelers were unprepared for their stay, lacking departure verification and support systems. This situation raised concerns about the exploitation of the exemption, as many travelers expressed no intention of seeking asylum in South Africa, leaving civil society organizations to manage their welfare.

Times of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the situation during the arrival of the most recent charter flight, indicating that the travelers may have been "flushed out of Gaza." Following the withdrawal of the visa exemption, Ramaphosa confirmed that his department would process any asylum applications from the affected travelers while maintaining the terms of the exemption for those not seeking asylum.

Big changes at Home Affairs!Times of South Africa

Critics of the decision argue that the revocation of the visa exemption may hinder legitimate travel for Palestinians and exacerbate their already precarious situation. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on humanitarian efforts and the responsibilities of civil society organizations in providing support to the affected individuals.

Times of South Africa

Moving forward, the Department of Home Affairs has stated that it will process visa applications from bona fide Palestinian travelers to facilitate their visits to South Africa. The department has also emphasized that any further attempts to exploit the visa exemption will be rejected, indicating a stricter approach to future applications.

Times of South Africa

• “The department also said the sequence of events amounted to abuse of the passengers themselves, as those who arranged the flights were reportedly content to leave the travellers destitute on their arrival in South Africa.” — Dr. Leon Schreiber, Home Affairs Minister

Times of South Africa

• “Most of the travellers indicated that they did not want to claim asylum in South Africa, necessitating civil society organisations to take responsibility for their welfare.” — Dr. Leon Schreiber, Home Affairs Minister

Times of South Africa