Israel extends $3,500 departure grant to nationals of all African countries

Israel is extending its $3,500 voluntary departure grant to nationals of every African country in a bid to reverse a decline in the number of migrants leaving with state assistance, according to Haaretz.

Until now the payment had been limited mainly to people from a handful of states.

The change took effect on Monday and will remain in place until the end of the year, Israel's Population and Immigration Authority said. Applications must be submitted by 31 December.

It covers African nationals who have stayed in Israel for more than two years without a valid visa, and those holding temporary residency permits.