Israel offers 3,500 dollars to African migrants to leave
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Tuko
Israel is extending its voluntary departure aid programme to all African nationalities: 3,500 dollars and a free plane ticket for migrants who have lived in the country for more than two years without valid status. The scheme, in force from 9 November to 31 December 2026, follows a drop of almost 20% in assisted departures in 2025, according to Tuko.
Israel has extended to all African nationalities a voluntary departure aid programme, which provides 3,500 dollars, or about 455,000 Kenyan shillings, as well as a free plane ticket, according to Tuko. The scheme, in force from 9 November 2026 until 31 December 2026, targets African migrants who have been living in Israel for more than two years without valid immigration status.
Certain holders of temporary residence permits are also covered, as are people who entered legally but stayed on after their visas expired. Applicants can register online or visit an office, attend an interview and obtain their travel documents, before receiving the ticket and the cash sum at the airport, according to Business Insider Africa. Previously, the aid was mostly reserved for Eritrean, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Ivorian and Guinean nationals, as well as nationals of countries with no diplomatic relations with Israel.
The extension follows a drop of almost 20% in departures assisted by the government in 2025. The Population and Immigration Authority says the programme allows foreigners to leave the country in respectful and dignified conditions. Selected applicants could be protected from immigration detention for up to two weeks before their departure.
