Kenyans and other African nationals living in Israel without valid immigration documents have been given a new opportunity to leave the country voluntarily while receiving financial assistance. The Israeli government has expanded its departure programme, offering eligible applicants KSh 455,000 and free flights to their home countries.
The temporary programme, which took effect on November 9, 2026, will remain in place until December 31, 2026. It targets African nationals who have lived in Israel for more than two years without valid immigration status, as well as certain temporary residence permit holders and people who entered legally but overstayed their visas.
The expanded arrangement now covers citizens from every African country, including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and South Africa. This is a significant change from the previous arrangement, which mainly covered nationals from selected countries such as Eritrea, Sudan, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast and Guinea.
Eligible applicants can register online or visit the relevant immigration offices in person. They are then required to attend an interview and obtain the necessary travel documents before receiving their approved financial assistance and free flight at the airport.
Israel's Population and Immigration Authority says the programme is intended to allow foreign nationals to leave the country in a respectful and orderly manner. Those whose applications are approved may also receive protection from immigration detention for up to two weeks before their scheduled departure.
The decision to widen the programme comes after a decline in the number of migrants using government-assisted departure arrangements. According to available figures, the number of Africans who left through the scheme fell from 3,511 in 2024 to 2,815 in 2025, representing a drop of nearly 20 per cent.
Israeli authorities have linked the decline to several challenges, including fewer opportunities for resettlement in Canada, tighter border controls in the United States and flight disruptions caused by conflicts in the region.
Israel has continued to attract foreign workers, particularly in construction, agriculture and healthcare. The country is also among the major economies in the Middle East, with its gross domestic product estimated at KSh 96.6 trillion in 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund.
However, the latest departure incentive is specifically designed for eligible African nationals. No similar offer has been announced for citizens of European, Asian or American countries.
For Kenyans and other Africans who qualify, the programme presents an opportunity to return home with financial assistance and travel costs covered. However, interested applicants will need to confirm their eligibility and complete the required immigration procedures before the December 31 deadline.
Source
Tuko News.https://www.tuko.co.ke/business-economy/economy/646765-israel-offers-african-nationals-ksh-455k-free-flights-voluntarily-leave-country/
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