Authorities launch probe into alleged deceptive travel scheme
- 130 Palestinians admitted to South Africa despite lack of papers
- Unregistered organisation accused of exploiting Palestinians’ travel arrangements
- Ramaphosa affirms compassion and support for Palestine amid investigation
JOHANNESBURG, (Prime Africa ) – South Africa has granted entry to 130 Palestinians who arrived in Johannesburg without proper travel documentation, even as authorities investigate claims that an unregistered organisation deceptively arranged their journey.
The group of 153 Palestinians landed at OR Tambo International Airport on a chartered Global Airways flight from Kenya on Thursday, lacking departure stamps, return tickets, and accommodation details—prompting immigration officials to initially deny them entry. None had applied for asylum upon arrival, and the origin of their journey remains unclear.
Their situation highlighted the severe travel restrictions faced by Palestinians, particularly those living in the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip or the occupied West Bank, where leaving the territories is extremely difficult.
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers stepped in to provide emergency support and accommodation. After intervention, border authorities cleared 130 Palestinians for entry under South Africa’s standard 90-day visa exemption. The remaining 23 travellers, who held visas for destinations such as Canada, Australia, and Malaysia, were allowed to continue their journeys.
Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman said many of the passengers were unaware of their destination.
“The Palestinians had no idea where they were bundled off to. Only when in Kenya did they realise they were coming to South Africa,” Sooliman said.
He added that the group had reportedly been deceived and charged money by an unregistered organisation that later attempted to disown responsibility once complications emerged.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the Palestinian embassy had raised similar concerns about the group being misled.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government acted out of compassion, citing South Africa’s longstanding support for Palestinian statehood.
“We felt that we should accept them,” Ramaphosa told reporters. “But we are going to do a proper evaluation and see what the future portends.”
The President noted that intelligence services, Home Affairs, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation are now investigating the origins of the group’s travel and the alleged irregular arrangements.
Sooliman said the Palestinians now have several options, including applying for asylum, seeking student visas, obtaining renewable short-stay permits, or relocating to a third country willing to receive them.
South Africa has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in 2023—an allegation Israel strongly denies.
Authorities say the priority now is ensuring the safety and legal protection of the 130 Palestinians while determining how they reached South Africa under such irregular and opaque circumstances.
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