A total of 153 Palestinian refugees arrived in South Africa aboard a chartered flight from Nairobi, following a government intervention that ended a tense 12-hour standoff on the aircraft, according to SABC News, the Border Management Authority, and representatives of Gift of the Givers.
South African border authorities had initially refused entry, citing missing information on intended stay and address, as well as the absence of exit stamps in the refugees’ passports. The group was kept on the aircraft for 12 hours as authorities assessed the situation.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola and the Department of Home Affairs later intervened, waiving the entry-stamp requirement and allowing the refugees to enter and file asylum applications.
Officials confirmed that Palestinians may stay in South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.
Twenty-three refugees have since departed to their intended destinations, while the remaining 130 are undergoing standard immigration procedures and must meet all entry requirements.
Gift of the Givers stated that it believes Israel intentionally avoided stamping the refugees’ passports in an effort to complicate their travel abroad.
