Israel’s voluntary departure scheme now covers eligible migrants from all African countries.
Israel has expanded its voluntary departure scheme to all African nationalities, including eligible Kenyans without valid immigration documents.
The Israel departure programme offers eligible Kenyans approximately Ksh455,000 and free flights to leave the country voluntarily. The expanded scheme covers citizens of all African countries who meet its immigration-status requirements.
The policy took effect on November 9, 2026, and runs until December 31, 2026. It targets Africans who have spent more than two years in Israel without valid immigration documents.
Certain temporary residence permit holders also qualify, alongside people who entered legally but later overstayed their visas.
Who qualifies for the Israel departure programme?
Previously, Israel mainly limited the departure incentive to nationals of Eritrea, Sudan, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast and Guinea. The earlier arrangement also covered people from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel.
However, the expanded programme now includes all African nationalities, bringing eligible Kenyans within its scope. Israel introduced the change after a decline in the number of migrants accepting government-assisted departure offers.
For Kenyans living and working legally in Israel, the announcement creates no new obligation to leave. Their existing work permits, visas and residence arrangements remain unaffected.
By contrast, Kenyans who have overstayed their visas or lack valid immigration status may qualify for voluntary departure assistance.
How applications and departure payments work
Eligible applicants can submit their requests online or visit designated immigration offices. Immigration officials will then interview them and provide the necessary travel documents.
Approved applicants receive free air tickets and the departure payment at the airport. The payout amounts to approximately Ksh455,000, depending on the prevailing exchange rate.
Some applicants may also receive protection from immigration detention for up to two weeks before departure. The assistance therefore combines travel arrangements with financial support for those approved to leave under the scheme.
Meanwhile, the United States offers a similar voluntary departure incentive for undocumented migrants. Its package includes Ksh390,000, free flights and travel assistance to encourage people to leave voluntarily.
