Why South Africa just ended visa-free entry for Palestinians
South Africa has withdrawn its 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian passport holders, saying the system was being abused through organised charter flights bringing people from Gaza into the country.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced the decision over the weekend, following investigations into two charter flights that landed in Johannesburg in November carrying 153 Palestinians. Officials say the flights were arranged by intermediaries, not the travellers themselves and appeared to be part of a wider effort to relocate Palestinians rather than facilitate short-stay visits.
According to the Home Affairs Department, many passengers arrived without return tickets, accommodation plans or verified departure records, and were told to bring only US dollars and personal essentials. Some were reportedly prevented from carrying luggage. Schreiber said this amounted not only to “systematic abuse” of visa rules but also exploitation of the travellers.
President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier suggested the passengers had been “flushed out of Gaza,” and intelligence agencies later confirmed that more charter flights were being planned. A Dubai-based broker had requested bulk quotes for additional flights, prompting the government to intervene.
Schreiber said South Africa “will not be complicit in any scheme to exploit or displace Palestinians,” adding that the visa requirement is meant to stop irregular relocation attempts while still allowing genuine travellers to apply normally.
The Palestinians who recently arrived will still have their cases processed. Those seeking asylum may apply, while those travelling under the old 90-day exemption will retain their status until their permitted stay ends.
Humanitarian group Gift of the Givers has provided temporary support for the travellers, many of whom declined to apply for asylum.
South Africa’s new visa rules take immediate effect, with authorities warning that any future attempts to misuse the system will be rejected.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
