The Department of Home Affairs has revoked South Africa’s 90-day visa exemption for holders of ordinary Palestinian passports after an investigation found deliberate, ongoing exploitation of the rule, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to SA News the department said intelligence and security cluster findings showed intermediaries-chartered flights to move people from Gaza in ways that were not consistent with short-stay travel.
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The move follows the arrival in November of two charter flights, including one carrying 153 Palestinians who were held on the tarmac at O.R. Tambo before 130 were admitted after humanitarian assurances.
Border officials noted missing departure stamps, no return tickets and no confirmed addresses for many travellers (Government of South Africa).
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said withdrawing the exemption was the most effective step to prevent further flights of this nature while protecting bona fide visitors. He warned the practice risked leaving vulnerable people destitute.
Humanitarian agencies that helped the travellers criticised their treatment. Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman described the initial handling as ‘inhumane’ and urged urgent investigation and care for the displaced.
Government says bona fide Palestinian applicants will still be processed through normal visa and asylum channels and that any future attempts at exploitation will be rejected.
The decision aims to close an apparent route used by brokers while preserving South Africa’s humanitarian obligations.
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South Africa bans charter flights carrying Palestinians from Gaza
Picture: Alet Pretorius / Gallo Images
