A group of 153 Palestinians seeking asylum in South Africa were initially denied entry at O.R. Tambo International Airport but were eventually allowed to disembark after nearly 12 hours on the tarmac. The Border Management Authority cited missing passport stamps and unclear stay details as reasons for the refusal. Humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers intervened to facilitate their entry.
On November 13, 2025, a charter flight operated by Global Airways carrying 153 Palestinians from Nairobi, Kenya, arrived at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, Johannesburg. The passengers, seeking refugee status in South Africa, faced immediate challenges upon landing. The Border Management Authority (BMA) refused them entry because they could not specify the duration of their stay or provide an address for accommodation in the country. Additionally, their passports lacked the customary departure stamps, which Gift of the Givers attributed to deliberate actions by Israel to exacerbate the refugees' suffering.
Global Airways stated that it had complied with South African immigration laws by sharing the passenger list and travel credentials with authorities 24 hours prior to departure. The airline was unaware that the passengers would be deemed inadmissible and expressed cooperation with the BMA for any repatriation or onward travel arrangements.
Interventions from high-level officials resolved the situation. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and the Home Affairs Department waived the stamp requirement. Gift of the Givers, which facilitated the humanitarian effort with civil society partners, committed to providing accommodation, legal aid, and medical care.
By the time of admission, 23 of the travelers had already transferred to their final destinations, leaving 130 to be processed. BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato confirmed that the over 100 Palestinian travelers were eligible for 90-day visa-exempt entry and had been handled according to standard procedures. The remaining passengers must adhere to all entry conditions.
This incident highlights ongoing humanitarian challenges for Palestinian refugees amid regional conflicts.