Kenyans and other African nationals living in Israel without valid immigration status could receive approximately KSh455,000 and a free flight home under a temporary Israeli government programme encouraging eligible migrants to leave voluntarily.
The initiative follows a decision by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority to expand eligibility for its voluntary departure grant to citizens of all African countries, including Kenya.
The temporary arrangement took effect on November 9, 2026, and is scheduled to run until December 31, 2026.
Under the programme, approved applicants will receive US$3,500, equivalent to approximately KSh455,000, alongside assistance with arranging and paying for their flights.
The expansion represents a change from the previous eligibility arrangements, which mainly covered nationals of selected African countries, including Eritrea, Sudan, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast and Guinea, as well as certain other eligible groups.
The revised policy opens the opportunity to qualifying nationals from countries that were previously outside the programme.
Who qualifies for Israel’s KSh455,000 departure package?
The expanded programme targets African nationals who have lived in Israel for more than two years without valid immigration status.
It also covers certain people holding temporary residence permits, as well as individuals who initially entered Israel legally but remained in the country after their visas expired.
This means Kenyans who overstayed their visas or otherwise lack valid immigration status could apply for consideration under the revised arrangement.
However, the financial assistance is not automatic. Applicants must submit an application, undergo an interview and receive approval from the relevant immigration authorities.
The expansion does not mean every African national living in Israel qualifies for the payment simply because they want to return home.
Applicants must meet the programme’s requirements and demonstrate their willingness to leave voluntarily.
How Kenyans can apply for the free flight and cash grant
Eligible Kenyans and other African nationals can apply through Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority.
Applications may be submitted online or in person through the designated immigration offices.
After submitting an application, prospective beneficiaries are required to attend an interview during which officials assess their eligibility and confirm that their decision to leave Israel is voluntary.
Successful applicants may also receive assistance in obtaining the necessary travel documents if they do not have valid documents for their journey.
The authority coordinates and funds the flight arrangements for approved applicants.
The US$3,500 grant is paid at the airport before departure, according to reports detailing the expanded arrangement.
Applicants may also receive protection from immigration enforcement and detention for up to two weeks while awaiting their scheduled departure.
The assistance is intended to facilitate an orderly departure rather than force eligible migrants to leave immediately.
Kenyans interested in the programme should use the official Israeli government application channels and confirm their eligibility before making travel arrangements.
Why Israel expanded the programme to all African countries
The expansion comes amid a decline in the number of migrants leaving Israel through government-assisted voluntary departure arrangements.
Reports indicate that the number of African nationals who departed through the programme fell from 3,511 in 2024 to 2,815 in 2025, representing a reduction of nearly 20 per cent.
The decline has been linked to fewer available resettlement opportunities in countries such as Canada, tighter immigration restrictions in the United States and disruptions to international flights caused by regional conflicts.
By temporarily extending the financial incentive to nationals of all African countries, Israeli authorities are seeking to encourage more eligible migrants to take up the voluntary departure option.
The revised arrangement could therefore increase the number of people able to access government-funded flights and financial assistance before the end of the year.
What the announcement means for Kenyans legally working in Israel
The announcement does not introduce a blanket requirement for all Kenyans living in Israel to return home.
Kenyans with valid work permits, visas and residence arrangements are not automatically affected by the voluntary departure incentive.
The programme is specifically directed at eligible migrants who meet the immigration-related conditions.
However, Kenyan nationals who have overstayed their visas or are living in Israel without valid immigration documents may wish to establish whether they qualify.
Those with uncertain immigration status should seek clarification from the Israeli immigration authorities or qualified immigration advisers before deciding whether to apply.
The announcement is also relevant to Kenyans planning to travel to Israel for employment, religious activities, tourism or other engagements. They should ensure they have the appropriate visas, permits and travel documents before departure.
Where to get official information
Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority provides information and application services for foreign nationals seeking assistance with voluntary return.
The official application page is available through the Israeli government website:
https://www.gov.il/en/service/apply_for_assisted_voluntary_return
The service is free, and applications are reviewed individually. Not everyone who applies is guaranteed approval or payment of the grant.
With the temporary expansion expected to end on December 31, 2026, eligible Kenyans and other African nationals have a limited period to submit applications under the revised arrangement.
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