South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has revoked the 90-day visa-free entry previously granted to holders of ordinary Palestinian passports, following an investigation that uncovered what officials describe as the deliberate exploitation of the exemption.
“Following investigations and recommendations by national intelligence structures and consultations conducted within the Security Cluster – which confirmed the deliberate and ongoing abuse of the 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian ordinary passport holders by Israeli actors linked to “voluntary emigration” efforts for residents of the Gaza Strip – the Department of Home Affairs has withdrawn the exemption,” the department said in a statement.
The findings prompted Home Affairs to immediately halt the visa waiver.
Charter flights
The move follows two charter flights that arrived in November, including one carrying 153 Palestinian nationals.
Passengers were held on the tarmac at O.R. Tambo International Airport before 130 were eventually admitted on humanitarian grounds.
Border officials flagged several irregularities among the arrivals, including missing departure stamps, the absence of return tickets and no verified local addresses – signs the department says pointed to organised misuse of the system.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the withdrawal of the exemption was the most effective way to prevent further incidents of this nature while ensuring that legitimate visitors continue to receive protection.
He warned that the exploitation of vulnerable people risked leaving them stranded or destitute.
Criticised the treatment
Humanitarian organisations, however, criticised the treatment of the travellers.
Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman called the initial handling “inhumane” and urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation while providing appropriate care for the displaced individuals.
Government emphasised that genuine Palestinian applicants will still be able to apply through standard visa and asylum channels and that any attempts to exploit the system in future will be rejected.
Authorities say the decision is intended to close a route apparently being used by brokers while maintaining South Africa’s humanitarian responsibilities toward those affected by the conflict in Gaza.
