Ramaphosa backs decision to allow Palestinian group stranded at ORTIA into SA

President Cyril Ramaphosa has thrown his support behind the decision to allow 153 Palestinians into South Africa after they were stranded at OR Tambo International Airport.

The group landed on Thursday but remained on board for 13 hours while officials verified their documents.

Home Affairs said they were initially denied entry because their passports lacked the usual departure stamps.

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They’ve now been granted temporary refugee status for 90 days. 

Ramaphosa said that government made an exception due to the dire circumstances facing the travellers.