Home Affairs

Johannesburg – The Department of Home Affairs has clarified that the group of Palestinian travellers who landed at OR Tambo International Airport did not initially express any intention to seek asylum, leading to a temporary delay in their entry. The 153 individuals, arriving from Kenya on a charter flight, were processed under standard immigration rules after providing necessary details on their stay. This explanation comes amid confusion over their status, with humanitarian organisations stepping in to support their accommodation. The incident highlights South Africa’s compassionate approach to those fleeing conflict, even as it navigates procedural requirements. As the country continues to champion Palestinian rights on the global stage, this arrival underscores the human face of the ongoing Gaza crisis, where over two million people have been displaced since October 2023.

The Arrival and Initial Immigration Hurdles

The Palestinian group touched down at OR Tambo around 08:15 on Thursday, 13 November 2025, aboard a Global Airways charter flight from Kenya. During routine immigration checks, officials noted that the travellers could not immediately provide details on the duration of their intended stay or accommodation arrangements in South Africa. Additionally, their passports lacked the customary departure stamps from their point of origin, a requirement that helps verify legitimate travel.
As a result, they initially failed the standard immigration test and were denied entry. None of the group members expressed an intent to apply for asylum at that stage, which contributed to the hold-up. This led to a nearly 12-hour wait on the tarmac, a situation that drew attention from humanitarian groups and sparked discussions on social media about South Africa’s handling of vulnerable arrivals.
The lack of departure stamps is a common issue for Palestinians leaving Gaza, often attributed to administrative barriers imposed during the conflict. Gaza’s borders are tightly controlled, and many fleeing the area face documentation challenges that complicate international travel. In this case, the omission created a procedural snag, but South African authorities worked to resolve it humanely.

Government Intervention and Resolution

The Ministry of Home Affairs received correspondence from a humanitarian organisation committing to accommodate the travellers during their stay. After verification and internal discussions, the requirement for departure stamps was waived, allowing the group to be admitted that evening.
By the time of processing, 23 travellers had been transferred back to their ultimate destinations from South Africa, possibly due to onward travel plans or other arrangements. The remaining 130 were admitted under the organisation’s care. Palestinians are eligible for 90-day visa-exempt travel to South Africa, so they were processed under normal entry conditions once the waiver was granted. The Border Management Authority (BMA) reaffirmed its commitment to upholding legal frameworks while handling the matter with sensitivity.
This resolution reflects South Africa’s flexible approach in humanitarian cases, ensuring compliance without unnecessary hardship. The government has previously waived similar requirements for refugees from conflict zones, recognising the unique challenges they face.

Humanitarian Support and the Group’s Background

A local humanitarian organisation facilitated the group’s journey and provided immediate support upon arrival, including accommodation, medical aid, and legal assistance for potential asylum applications. The travellers, mostly from Gaza, are fleeing a devastating conflict that has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and widespread destruction since escalating in October 2023. Many have lost homes and loved ones, seeking refuge in countries offering safety.
While no asylum intent was stated initially, some may pursue refugee status through Home Affairs. South Africa’s asylum process involves submitting applications at refugee reception offices, where claims are assessed based on persecution fears. Successful applicants receive protection, work rights, and access to services. The country hosts over 250,000 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from Africa and the Middle East, demonstrating its role as a safe haven.

South Africa’s Stance on Palestine and Refugee Policy

South Africa’s decision aligns with its longstanding solidarity with Palestine, including leading a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. The government has condemned the conflict’s humanitarian toll and provided aid through diplomatic channels. This support extends to welcoming those affected, as seen in previous intakes from war-torn regions.
The country’s refugee policy, guided by the Refugees Act of 1998, protects those fleeing persecution, war, or human rights abuses. However, backlogs in processing – with over 100,000 pending cases – can lead to delays of up to two years. Advocacy groups call for faster handling of humanitarian cases like this to prevent prolonged uncertainty.

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home affairs

Home Affairs Clarifies Palestinian Group’s OR Tambo Arrival: No Asylum Intent Stated Initially

Home Affairs

The Arrival and Initial Immigration Hurdles

Government Intervention and Resolution

Humanitarian Support and the Group’s Background

South Africa’s Stance on Palestine and Refugee Policy

centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate

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