Kenyans barred from Israel‑bound flights amid Ebola spread in eastern DRC

Kenyans barred from Israel‑bound flights amid Ebola spread in eastern DRC

Other states whose nationals have also been restricted include Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda and the outbreak’s epicentre, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Israel Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) has included Kenyans in a list of nationals restricted from boarding flights to the country due to the Ebola outbreak, despite Kenya not having reported a single case.
Other states whose nationals have also been restricted include Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda and the outbreak’s epicentre, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a memo to all airlines dated June 10, PIBA urged carriers not to allow passengers from the mentioned countries on flights to Israel.
“Following the outbreak of the Ebola virus and in accordance with the directives of Israel, effective from the receipt of this notice, it is prohibited to board foreign passengers who meet the criteria specified below on flights bound for Israel. You are required to prevent foreign citizens and residents of the following countries from boarding flights arriving in Israel: the DRC, South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda,” the memo states.
“Furthermore, boarding on flights to Israel must be denied to any foreign national who has stayed in or visited any of the countries listed above during the 21 days before the flight date, regardless of their citizenship or country of residence.”
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To ensure strict compliance, the Authority directed all airlines to question every foreign passenger before boarding, including verifying whether they have stayed in any of the restricted countries during the past 21 days.
“If the answer is affirmative, they must not be permitted to board the flight to Israel,” the memo adds. “For the avoidance of doubt, this directive does not apply to Israeli citizens or Israeli residents. Your strict compliance with these directives and your cooperation are highly appreciated.”
Meanwhile, Kenya has stepped up efforts to prevent the virus from entering the country, with screening and surveillance measures at Points of Entry, particularly along the Kenya-Uganda border.

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