Overview
- Home Affairs withdrew the exemption after intelligence and Security Cluster assessments found deliberate, ongoing misuse linked to so-called voluntary emigration initiatives.
- Investigators say entire aircraft were chartered by intermediaries, with passengers issued one-way tickets, restricted from bringing luggage, and lacking exit stamps, return tickets or accommodation details.
- Authorities are probing networks and charter operators, including reports that a Dubai-based broker recently sought bulk quotes for additional flights to depart as soon as possible.
- About 153 Palestinians who arrived on a November 13 charter were held for hours at OR Tambo over missing documentation before being admitted on humanitarian grounds with Gift of the Givers providing care.
- The government will process asylum claims from the recent arrivals and scrutinize future Palestinian visa applications, and officials confirmed an earlier October 28 charter of Palestinian passengers entered under the now-ended waiver.