Johannesburg: The Department of Home Affairs has withdrawn South Africa's 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian ordinary passport holders after investigations revealed systematic abuse of the provision by Israeli-linked actors involved in 'voluntary emigration' efforts for Gaza residents.
According to South African Government News Agency, the decision follows investigations and recommendations by national intelligence structures and consultations within the Security Cluster. These investigations confirmed the deliberate and ongoing abuse of the 90-day visa exemption by Israeli actors linked to efforts to relocate residents from the Gaza Strip. The Department of Home Affairs announced the withdrawal of the exemption in a statement on Saturday.
The department noted that short-stay visa exemptions are commonly used by countries to encourage tourism and short-term travel. However, investigations into the arrival of two charter flights carrying Palestinian passport holders unveiled systematic exploitation of this exemption. The travel arrangements were designed not for tourism or short stays, but to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.
Rather than utilizing ordinary commercial flights, entire airplanes were chartered by intermediaries, not the travellers themselves. Most passengers received one-way tickets to South Africa and were prohibited from bringing luggage, only being allowed to carry US dollars and essentials. Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, it was discovered that many lacked departure verification, accommodation in South Africa, and return or onward flight tickets.
The Department of Home Affairs highlighted that these actions constituted clear abuse of the exemption by external actors for purposes other than its intended use. Additionally, the department expressed concern that the passengers themselves were being exploited, as those arranging the flights appeared content to leave them destitute upon arrival in South Africa.
Most travellers indicated they did not wish to claim asylum in South Africa, prompting civil society organizations to assume responsibility for their welfare. Investigations suggested these charter flights were not isolated incidents but part of a broader, ongoing effort to relocate Palestinians globally.
There were also reports of a Dubai-based broker, with offices in South Africa, seeking bulk quotations for more charter flights to start soon. In response to the visa exemption withdrawal, the department assured that it would process any asylum applications from travellers on the charter flights, while maintaining the 90-day exemption terms for those not seeking asylum.
Moving forward, the department committed to processing visa applications from bona fide Palestinian travellers to facilitate visits to South Africa while rejecting any further abuse attempts. Dr. Leon Schreiber, the Minister of Home Affairs, emphasized that the visa exemption withdrawal is the most effective measure to prevent further exploitative flights and ensure the safe travel of legitimate visitors from Palestine. South Africa will not participate in any scheme to exploit or displace Palestinians from Gaza.