A group of Palestinian refugees who were stranded at OR Tambo International Airport for nearly a full day have now been allowed to enter South Africa. Of the 153 travellers who arrived, 130 have been granted entry and are currently being assisted by the humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers.
The delay followed immigration verification challenges, with officials saying the travellers had not provided information about how long they planned to stay in South Africa or where they would be staying. Despite the initial setback, authorities confirmed that 23 other members of the group had already continued on to other destinations.
The group arrived on a chartered Global Airways flight from Kenya, landing shortly after 8am. After receiving confirmation that Gift of the Givers would cover accommodation and care for the refugees, Home Affairs approved their entry.