Israel has expanded its voluntary departure programme, offering eligible African nationals $3,500, free international flights and assistance with travel documentation to encourage them to leave the country voluntarily before the end of 2026.
Israel has expanded its financial incentive programme for African migrants, extending eligibility beyond the handful of nationalities previously covered to citizens of African countries across the continent.
According to a report by Haaretz, published on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Israel's Population and Immigration Authority has broadened its assisted voluntary departure scheme, which provides financial payments to eligible foreign nationals willing to return to their countries of origin or relocate to another African country under an approved arrangement.
Under the expanded arrangement, eligible applicants returning directly to their countries of origin will receive $3,500, alongside assistance with airfare and travel documentation.
However, the financial package differs depending on the destination and the applicant's circumstances. Under the authority's published grant structure, women and children relocating to an approved third African country can receive $5,000 each, while men receive $3,500.
Who Qualifies for the $3,500 Payment?
The programme is primarily directed at foreign nationals residing in Israel without valid immigration status, including individuals who have overstayed their visas, as well as certain holders of temporary residence permits.
Reports indicate that the expanded arrangement covers African nationals who have spent more than two years in Israel without valid immigration status.
Previously, the financial incentive was largely restricted to nationals of selected African countries, including Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast and Guinea, alongside nationals of countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.
The expansion significantly broadens the number of people who could potentially qualify for the scheme.
What Does the Departure Package Include?
Beyond the financial incentive, Israel's Population and Immigration Authority provides several forms of assistance to approved applicants.
These include:
- A financial departure grant of $3,500 for eligible applicants returning to their home countries.
- Free international flight tickets.
- Assistance with obtaining necessary travel documents.
- Protection from immigration enforcement and detention until the scheduled departure, subject to the programme's conditions.
Applicants are required to submit an application, undergo an assessment interview and demonstrate their willingness to leave Israel voluntarily.
The authority also works with international organisations, airlines and relevant diplomatic missions to facilitate the departure process.
Why Is Israel Expanding the Programme?
The expansion comes amid a reported decline in the number of African nationals leaving Israel through government-assisted departure arrangements.
According to figures attributed to Israel's Population and Immigration Authority, approximately 3,511 African nationals departed through the programme in 2024. That figure dropped to 2,815 in 2025, representing a decline of approximately 20 per cent.
The reported reduction has been linked to shrinking opportunities for asylum seekers to relocate to countries such as Canada, tighter immigration restrictions in the United States and disruptions to international flights arising from regional conflicts.
By extending financial incentives to a wider range of African nationalities, Israeli authorities appear to be seeking to increase participation in the voluntary departure programme.
When Does the Programme End?
The expanded arrangement reportedly took effect on November 9, 2026, and is scheduled to remain available until December 31, 2026.
Eligible applicants must complete the application process within the stipulated period.
Israel's Assisted Voluntary Return Department describes its objective as facilitating the departure of foreign nationals in a respectful and dignified manner.
Nevertheless, the programme raises broader questions about migration policy, asylum protection and the circumstances surrounding the return of African migrants who may have originally travelled to Israel seeking safety, employment or better economic opportunities.
For many of those affected, the $3,500 payment and travel assistance could represent an opportunity to return home with financial support. For others, particularly asylum seekers fleeing persecution or instability, the decision to leave may involve far more complicated personal and humanitarian considerations.
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