Question NW2864 to the Minister of Home Affairs
21 December 2020 - NW2864
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether, in view of the historical relationship between the Republic and Palestine (details furnished) and the enormous challenges and burdens that Palestinians are faced with when travelling abroad, even in the Republic, as the old apartheid policy of restrictive travel measures for visa requirements are still being enforced on Palestinians travelling to the Republic, he intends to scrap restrictive measures for Palestinians such as proof of medical insurance, hotel bookings and sufficient funds; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Home Affairs has already approved a waiver of visa requirements for diplomatic and official/service passport holders of Palestine. Currently the necessary protocols are being applied in order to conclude a reciprocal visa waiver agreement between the two countries. In so far as normal passport holders are concerned, the Department is currently exploring ways to lower the restrictive travel measures which applies to Palestinian nationals. The latter process is more extensive and requires wider consultation with various Government Clusters prior to conclusion.
END