Kenyans and other foreigners living in Israel without valid immigration documents could benefit from a new Israeli government programme offering African migrants Ksh450,000 and free flights to leave.
The latest policy, which took effect on November 9, 2026, will run until December 31, 2026, and has been expanded to cover citizens of all African countries, including Kenya.
The Israeli government previously restricted the Ksh455,000 departure incentive mainly to nationals of Eritrea, Sudan, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast and Guinea, alongside people from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel.
The latest directive targets Africans who have lived in Israel for more than two years without valid immigration documents, as well as certain holders of temporary residence permits.
It also covers people who entered Israel legally but overstayed their visas, expanding the number of Africans eligible for the financial assistance.
According to Business Insider Africa, the Israeli government introduced the expansion after recording a drop in the number of migrants taking up government-assisted departure offers.
Under the revised arrangement, illegal African migrants can apply online or visit designated immigration offices, where they will be interviewed and receive the necessary travel documents.
Approved applicants will receive free air tickets and Ksh455,000 at the airport, based on the prevailing exchange rate, and some may also receive protection from immigration detention for up to two weeks before…
