Global Airways has confirmed that 153 Palestinians seeking refugee status in South Africa were denied entry upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The group had travelled on a charter flight from Nairobi, Kenya, as part of a humanitarian mission facilitated by Gift of the Givers and other civil society organisations.
The airline says it complied fully with South African immigration laws, having submitted the passenger list and travel documents 24 hours before departure. However, Global Airways stated that it was not informed in advance that the passengers would be deemed inadmissible upon landing.
Gift of the Givers, which coordinated the evacuation effort, said that the refugees’ passports were deliberately left unstamped by Israeli authorities, a move that has complicated their entry into other countries.
Despite intervention by International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and the Department of Home Affairs, who waived the passport stamping requirement, the displaced Palestinians remain stranded.
Global Airways says it is now working with the Border Management Authority to facilitate repatriation or onward travel for the affected passengers, while Gift of the Givers continues to provide legal, humanitarian, and medical assistance.