NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyans living in Israel without valid immigration documents are among African nationals who can qualify for a $3,500 (approximately Ksh455,000) government incentive and a free flight home if they agree to leave the country voluntarily by December 31, 2026.
Israel has expanded its voluntary departure programme to cover citizens of all African countries, removing previous nationality restrictions under a temporary initiative targeting foreigners without valid immigration status.
The revised policy took effect on November 9, 2026, and will remain in force until December 31, giving eligible migrants a limited window to apply for financial assistance and government-funded travel.
According to Business Insider Africa, the expansion follows a decline in the number of African migrants taking up Israel’s assisted departure offers.
Who qualifies for Israel’s Ksh455,000 offer?
Under the revised arrangement, African nationals who have lived in Israel for more than two years without valid immigration documents can apply for the departure package.
The programme also covers certain holders of temporary residence permits and foreigners who entered Israel legally but subsequently overstayed their visas.
The expansion marks a significant change from the previous arrangement, which mainly covered nationals of Eritrea, Sudan, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast and Guinea, as well as citizens of countries without diplomatic relations with Israel.
By extending eligibility to all African nationalities, the revised policy opens the programme to Kenyans, Ugandans, Nigerians, Ghanaians, South Africans and other African nationals who meet the immigration requirements.
However, the $3,500 payment is not automatically available to everyone from an African country living in Israel. Applicants must satisfy the eligibility conditions, submit an application and obtain approval from the relevant authorities.
How to apply for the free flight and cash payment
Eligible Kenyans and other African migrants can apply through the Israel Population and Immigration Authority’s online services or by visiting designated immigration offices.
Applications are assessed individually, with suitable candidates invited for interviews before their voluntary departure arrangements are approved.
Successful applicants receive assistance in obtaining the necessary travel documents and arranging flights to their countries of origin or another country willing to grant them residence.
The Israeli government will meet the cost of the air ticket and provide eligible applicants with $3,500, equivalent to approximately Ksh455,000, at the airport before departure.
Some approved applicants may also be granted protection from immigration detention for up to two weeks as their departure arrangements are finalised.
The incentive is designed to facilitate voluntary departure and does not grant recipients permission to remain in Israel.
Will the programme affect Kenyans working legally in Israel?
The expanded initiative targets migrants who lack valid immigration status and certain holders of temporary residence permits.
Kenyans with valid work permits, visas or residence documents are therefore not automatically required to leave Israel under the programme.
However, those who have overstayed their visas or are living in the country without the required authorisation may qualify, provided they meet the other eligibility conditions.
Also Read: Israel announces scholarship opportunities for Kenyans
The initiative should not be mistaken for a general travel ban or an order requiring all Kenyan nationals to leave Israel.
Kenyans planning to travel to Israel for employment, tourism, religious activities or other engagements should continue to obtain the appropriate travel authorisation and comply with the country’s immigration requirements.
Why Israel expanded its migrant departure programme
The policy change follows a decline in the number of African nationals leaving Israel through government-assisted departure arrangements.
Figures reported by Business Insider Africa indicate that 3,511 African nationals left Israel through the programme in 2024, compared with 2,815 in 2025 — a decline of approximately 20 per cent.
The expansion is intended to encourage more eligible migrants to accept voluntary departure assistance by extending the financial incentive to a wider group of African nationals.
It also revives a financial incentive previously offered under an Israeli government programme targeting African migrants, particularly nationals of Eritrea and Sudan.
For Kenyans who meet the eligibility requirements, the revised arrangement offers an opportunity to receive financial assistance and a government-funded flight out of Israel.
However, with the temporary programme scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026, eligible applicants will need to establish their eligibility and complete the required procedures before the deadline.
