The 153 Palestinians who travelled to South Africa as asylum seekers, have finally disembarked after spending nearly 12 hours on the tarmac at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park.

The Border Management Authority (BMA) initially refused them entry into South Africa because they could not indicate the duration of their stay or the address of accommodation in South Africa.

The travellers also did not have the customary departure stamps in their passports.

However, Gift of the Givers who facilitated the humanitarian effort, gave its commitment to accommodate the travellers.

Following this verification, they were allowed to enter the country.

By the time of admission, 23 of the 153 travellers had already transferred from South Africa to their final destinations.

The remaining 130 passengers were processed and will be required to adhere to all conditions of entry.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has confirmed that over one-hundred Palestinian travellers that arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday through a charter flight are eligible for 90-day visa-exempt travel to South Africa, and have been processed as per normal and will be required to adhere to all conditions of entry.

South African Border Management Authority responds to the Palestinian travellers who arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa. #sabcnews #Palestinians pic.twitter.com/YloCrV1dqR

— Khayelihle Rafiq Khumalo-James (@KhayaJames) November 13, 2025

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