The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that 153 travellers from Palestine who arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday were allowed into South Africa after an initial delay — and none of them applied for asylum.
The group arrived on a flight from Nairobi but was prevented from disembarking when officials noticed their passports did not contain the required Kenyan departure stamps. After receiving additional information from the Palestinian Embassy, including confirmation that the travellers had accommodation arranged, authorities reassessed the situation.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said he presented the updated information to the Border Management Authority for consideration. Once officials were satisfied that the travellers would not be left destitute and that no asylum applications were involved, they were admitted under South Africa’s standard 90-day visa exemption.
By the time entry clearance was granted, 23 members of the group had already boarded onward flights to other destinations.