The Department of Home Affairs has moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrival of 153 travellers from Palestine who landed at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning. The group, which had travelled from Nairobi, Kenya, briefly faced complications upon arrival due to missing departure stamps in their passports. Initial confusion at the airport prompted questions and speculation, but the department has since provided a full explanation of the events and confirmed that none of the travellers applied for asylum in South Africa.
The incident drew significant public interest, especially considering the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine and the broader political sensitivities around refugee movement. Home Affairs emphasised that the situation was managed in accordance with South African immigration procedures, international standards, and humanitarian principles.
According to information released by Home Affairs, the 153 Palestinian travellers arrived on a commercial flight from Nairobi. As part of standard immigration procedures, all passengers entering South Africa are required to present passports with valid departure stamps from their last port of exit. However, officials at OR Tambo discovered that the group did not have the customary stamps confirming they had lawfully departed Kenya.
Home Affairs Provides Detailed Explanation on Palestinian Travellers
Because of this irregularity, the travellers were initially instructed to remain on the aircraft while immigration authorities verified the situation. Such procedures are not unusual, particularly for large groups of international travellers arriving from regions affected by conflict or political instability. According to the department, the temporary delay was necessary to ensure that all immigration laws and safety protocols were properly followed.
Home Affairs later confirmed that the travellers were not seeking asylum, contrary to early assumptions circulating online. Instead, they were visiting South Africa under the standard 90-day visa exemption available to Palestinian passport holders.
The Department of Home Affairs explained that the turning point in the verification process came after immigration officials received critical information from the Palestinian Embassy. The embassy provided confirmation of the group’s travel plans and ensured that appropriate accommodation arrangements were in place for their stay in South Africa.
In its official statement, the department said:
“After receiving more information from the Palestinian Embassy and getting confirmation that they would have a place to stay, the department allowed them entry into the country.”
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber later elaborated on the decision, noting that the department conducted a full reassessment based on updated information. He emphasised that humanitarian factors played a meaningful role in the final outcome, given the geopolitical circumstances affecting Palestinians globally.
Schreiber explained:
“I presented the new fact set to the BMA Commissioner for consideration, including on humanitarian grounds. Once satisfied that the absence of certain elements from their itinerary would not leave them destitute in South Africa in the absence of any asylum claims, the travellers were granted entry into South Africa on the standard 90-day visa exemption, subject to compliance with the standard conditions.”
The minister stressed that the decision was consistent with South African immigration policies, which balance national security requirements with compassion and international cooperation.
By the time immigration authorities granted full entry clearance, part of the group had already continued travelling to various destinations. Home Affairs confirmed that 23 of the 153 travellers had already boarded onward flights before the remainder of the group received approval to enter South Africa.
The department clarified that such onward travel is common for passengers transiting through major international airports like OR Tambo. Since the travellers did not lodge asylum applications, they were free to continue their journeys under the standard visa regulations.
The remaining travellers who stayed in South Africa will be required to comply with normal visa conditions, including the 90-day limit and proof of adequate accommodation. Home Affairs has assured the public that immigration officials will continue monitoring the situation to ensure full compliance.
The Home Affairs department used the incident to reaffirm its commitment to transparency, rule of law, and humanitarian responsibility. It emphasised that South Africa remains open to international travellers while upholding strict immigration protocols designed to protect national security and public safety.
The department also highlighted that similar verification procedures occur regularly but often attract less public attention. In this case, the visibility of the situation increased due to global tensions and heightened awareness of Palestinian displacement.
As the 153 travellers settle into their temporary stay or continue to other destinations, Home Affairs has reiterated that the incident was handled in full accordance with South African law, ensuring both legal compliance and humane treatment.
Source- EWN