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 free flights to leave the country voluntarily by December 31, 2026.
Israel has expanded its voluntary departure programme to cover citizens of all African countries, including Kenya, in a temporary initiative targeting foreigners living in the country without valid immigration status.
The revised policy took effect on November 9, 2026, and will remain in place until December 31, 2026, giving eligible migrants a limited period to apply for financial assistance and government-funded flights.
According to Business Insider Africa, the expansion follows a decline in the number of migrants taking up government-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 initially entered Israel legally but overstayed their visas.
The expansion is significant for Kenyans because the previous arrangement mainly covered nationals of Eritrea, Sudan, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast and Guinea, alongside citizens of countries without diplomatic relations with Israel.
The revised policy removes the nationality restrictions for eligible African applicants, extending the opportunity to Kenyans, Ugandans, Nigerians, Ghanaians, South Africans and other African nationals.
However, the Ksh455,000 payment is not available automatically to every African living in Israel. Applicants must meet the immigration eligibility requirements, apply and receive approval from the relevant authorities.
How to apply for the free flight and cash payment
Kenyans and other eligible African migrants can submit applications through Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority’s online services or visit designated immigration offices.
Applications are reviewed individually, and suitable candidates are invited for interviews before their voluntary departure arrangements are approved.
Successful applicants receive assistance obtaining the necessary travel documents and securing flights to their countries of origin or another country willing to grant them residence.
The Israeli government will cover 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 receive protection from immigration detention for up to two weeks while their departure arrangements are finalised.
The assistance is intended to facilitate voluntary departure rather than provide migrants with permission to remain in Israel.
Will the programme affect Kenyans working legally in Israel?
The expanded initiative specifically targets eligible migrants without valid immigration status and certain temporary residence permit holders.
Consequently, Kenyans holding valid work permits, visas or residence documents are not automatically required to leave Israel under the new arrangement.
However, Kenyans who have overstayed their visas or are living in the country without the required immigration authorisation could qualify for the departure package.
Those planning to travel to Israel for employment, tourism, religious activities or other engagements should ensure they obtain the appropriate travel authorisation and comply with immigration requirements.
The programme should not be confused with a general travel ban or an order requiring all Kenyan nationals to leave Israel.
Why Israel expanded its migrant departure programme
The policy change follows a decline in government-assisted departures among African migrants.
According to figures reported by Business Insider Africa, 3,511 African nationals left Israel through assisted departure arrangements in 2024, compared with 2,815 in 2025, representing a decline of approximately 20 per cent.
Israeli authorities have expanded the programme to encourage more eligible foreigners to take up voluntary departure assistance.
The initiative also revives a financial incentive previously offered under an Israeli government programme targeting African migrants, particularly Eritrean and Sudanese nationals.
For Kenyans living in Israel without valid immigration documents, the revised arrangement presents an opportunity to receive financial assistance and a government-funded flight home.
However, the December 31, 2026 deadline means eligible applicants will need to establish their eligibility and complete the necessary application procedures before the temporary programme expires.