South Africa has cancelled its 90‑day visa exemption for Palestinian passport holders after intelligence reports revealed that the policy was being exploited by Israeli‑linked actors to facilitate covert relocation of Gaza residents under so‑called “voluntary emigration” schemes.
The Department of Home Affairs announced the withdrawal late Sunday, citing investigations that uncovered systematic abuse of the exemption.
It said chartered flights had transported Palestinians to Johannesburg without proper exit stamps, return tickets or luggage, leaving many destitute upon arrival.
One such flight on 13 November carried 153 Palestinians, most with one‑way tickets and only US dollars and essential items.
“Upon their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, it was further discovered that many of them lacked departure verification and accommodation in South Africa, in addition to not possessing return or onward flight tickets,” the department said.
“Taken together, this constituted obvious abuse of the exemption by external actors for purposes other than its intended use.”
The exemption, introduced last month, was intended to ease travel for Palestinian refugees and strengthen South Africa’s solidarity with Gaza.
Short‑stay visa waivers are commonly used worldwide to encourage tourism and temporary visits, but authorities said the recent arrivals were clearly designed to relocate Palestinians rather than facilitate legitimate travel.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the decision was taken after consultations within the national security cluster.
“Withdrawing the visa exemption is the most effective way to prevent further flights of this nature, while ensuring bona fide travellers from Palestine can still visit South Africa safely,” he said.
The ministry added that asylum applications from those already in the country will be processed, while future Palestinian travellers will need to apply for visas individually.
Officials warned that the charter flights may form part of a broader international effort to relocate Palestinians, with reports of brokers seeking quotations for additional flights.
JN/APA