The Border Management Authority (BMA) has confirmed that 153 Palestinian travellers arrived at OR Tambo International Airport at around 08:15 on Thursday, 13 November 2025. The group landed via a chartered Lift Global Airways flight from Kenya.

During routine processing, BMA immigration officers noted several inconsistencies. The travellers did not provide details of their intended duration of stay or accommodation in South Africa, and their passports lacked the usual departure stamps. As none of the individuals indicated an intention to apply for asylum, the group initially failed the immigration requirements and was denied entry.

Later in the day, the Ministry of Home Affairs received correspondence from the humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers, confirming that they would take responsibility for hosting the group during their stay. Following verification of this commitment, the BMA authorised the travellers’ entry on Thursday evening.

By the time the decision was made, 23 of the original 153 travellers had already proceeded through South Africa to their final destinations. The remaining 130 were formally admitted under the care of Gift of the Givers.

As Palestinian nationals qualify for visa-exempt entry into South Africa for stays of up to 90 days, the travellers were processed in line with standard immigration procedures and are required to comply with all conditions of entry.

The BMA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding South Africa’s immigration laws and regulatory frameworks.