Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport

October 13, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudanese government downplayed the significance of changes made to the new generation of Sudanese passports that practically allows its bearer to use it to travel to Israel.


Israeli flag

Khartoum quietly removed a statement on the Machine Readable Passports (MRP) nullifying the validity of the document if used for Israel bound trips.

Sudan, as a member of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is required to issue MRP containing biometric information to its citizens by April 2010.

The old Sudanese passport had a stamp on it reading that it is valid for “All Countries Except Israel”. South Africa is the only other country to be covered by this ban in the history of Sudanese passports during the apartheid era.

Major General Adam Daleel assistant police chief for passports and civil registry told the pro-government Al-Rayaam newspaper in an interview that said that removing the ban was a procedural decision relating to the size of the stamp on the passport.

Daleel stressed that people should not read too much into this step stressing that Sudan is committed to Arab embargo on Israel that commenced in 1958.

The Sudanese official said that removing the stamp should not be understood as endorsing trips by its citizens to the Jewish state.

He noted that the Sudanese national assembly at some point objected to the stamp saying it is a recognition of Israel.

Daleel acknowledged that Sudanese citizens can use the passport to travel to Israel if they reside outside the country but that the authorities will not grant an exit visa to anyone intending to head towards the Jewish state.

Sudan has no diplomatic relations established with Israel and remains hostile to the Jewish state on the grounds that it is occupying Arab lands.

This year it was revealed that Israel conducted an airstrike inside Sudan on an arms convoy believed to be headed towards Gaza strip.

Ironically, Israel has witnessed an influx of Sudanese refugees particularly from the war ravaged region of Darfur who filed for asylum after crossing the dangerous terrain at the Egyptian border which took a toll on several of them shot by border patrol.

Israel considers Sudan, a Muslim-dominated country, an “enemy state” and maintains a policy of not allowing citizens of a state with this classification of residing in the country though it ended up giving hundreds of them a protected status and work permits for humanitarian reasons.

According to United Nations figures of 2007, the number of the Sudanese in Israel was estimated at 1,200 refugees from Sudan in Israel.

(ST)

30 Forum messages

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 05:24, by Hakuna Matata

Isreal should ICC catch that criminal of a president called Bashiir.. while GOSS should build any necessary economics and military ties with the Jews state because they know how to fuck Arabs than anybody else

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 06:20, by rumbekcity@eastlink.ca

When government make changes..it is exactly what we as Sudanese want..think about the next generation..we better settle bitterness before the next generation..thanks.
- Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 16:03, by Dr. Chui
  
  Dear Readers
  
  I think you didn’t understand that statement well. they intend to removes Israel travel ban from new Sudanese passport but down in the passage they stated that they are not meaning to recognise Israel as a Country that existed. however, this means that they are not going to stamp your passport to exit Khartoum Sudan direct to Jerusalem unless you book your flights to another Country then Israel. this is radiculous, how can you hold a passport that you have such a restriction. they better leave it as it use to be as totally no entry to Israel.
  
  I means this is not a kind of change but the way to decieve the world that they are bringing positive changes to the Country. 1200 Sudanese in Israel found their ways into Israel without the Knowledge from the Khartoum Government.
  
  The question is are we still ready to be part of Arab league after all that we have experienced in the hand this extremist?. The rise of Abboud’s southern policies (1958) were so naïve and extremely oppressive that he decreed that Sunday holiday that southerners enjoyed was abolished and Friday substituted therefore, as a day of rest in the South. Missionary schools that provided some education for southern children—as the South had only two government high schools (Rumbek and Juba)—were nationalized and the missionaries ultimately expelled. This why we have countable highest degrees and uncountable highest degrees in the north. Arabic was decreed as the language of instruction instead of English in the southern schools; Koranic schools and mosques were built even in places where there were no population; southern chiefs were forced to take-up Arab-Islamic.
  
  Secondly, Al-Sadig’s human record leaves a lot to be desired. In his first period as a prime minister in 1967, he ordered the murder of 30 chiefs in Bor District, avenging one captain in the Sudanese army who was killed in a military operation against Anyanya. In his second term as a prime minister, al-Sadig engaged in militia recruitment, particularly in areas of tribal friction, creating, for instance, the notorious Baggara Murahiliin. In addition, he condoned or abetted the massacres of Dinkas IDPs in al-Dhein in 1987, a massacre documented by two Khartoum University professors, Ushari Ahmed Mahmoud and Suleiman Ali Baldo.
  
  I cann’t mention alot but only few that you know. Jaafar Nimery on the hand had uncountable accords leave alone the well known issues of the NCP and its extremist V.P Ali Tah and Mr. Bashir.
  
  Please we are all awake, it not 1950s anymore! Stop deception
  
  New Sudan oyeeeeeee!
  
  Dr. Chui
- Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 17:26, by Deng Akol Agut-tungdoun
  
  Waa! brothers,
  
  Change is like rest, I hope we are to see other changes tomorrow as southerners should we keep on giving these nuts some more presure to reduce the so call 75% majority votes during our referendum for to live or die!
  
  These nuts are hard to listen to peaceful demonestrations so the other talks soon must work.
  
  Be bless,
  
  Deng Akol Agut-tungduon, a man far away from tribalism.
Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 08:08, by Daniel Lee

Hakuna Matata,

While I agree with your content intellectually, I beg your pardon to tone down the language. In seeking so I wish to acheive none but the clarity of your message to the intended in such a public forum.

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 05:24, by oshay

Any patriotic Sudanese would not visit that apartheid state while minorities like Southerners are seeking independence and self determination. Just because they subjugate Arabs, it doesn’t make it right and all Southerners must acknowledge this.

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 05:45, by murlescrewed

Spineless slave-minded jallabas in Khartoum think that barring Sudanese from traveling anywhere in the world is a good policy against Israeli state. Israel doesn’t care if Sudanese cannot travel to its territory. That’s just one headless policy in a line of failed policies by a regime run by people with inferiority complex syndrome.
Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 06:13, by Greater Equatoria

This is stupidity of the NCP.We are not all Arabs in Sudan.Remember that Southern Sudanese are not Arabs,and they don’t have any hatred with the Jews(Israelite).Why do you impose these conditions on the innocent Southern Sudanese? Please reconsider your barbaric actions!
Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 06:28, by rumbekcity@eastlink.ca

shut the hell up Oshit whatever your name..Sudan is starting to have some sense now..We are not cowards, we are a brave country..this weak culture of enemism is an acceptable...we can face Isrealist if they ever come but she because arabs are enemies to them doesn’t mean that we should be. ARabs know how many of our people they threw in the oncean..alive..I hate them.
Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 07:49, by Lokang

Look who is talking?

I think Mr. Oshit is kinda misunderstood the phrase "Apartheid". There is no such system of governing in Isreal. I think historical if I’m not wrong, the only Nation on that that practice that pathetic system of government the former presidents of South Africa Boothe likes. Till 1994, that regime was erased in the face of this earth.

By the way, be rest assured that, "Not all Sudanese are Arabs". You can go to Iran, Saudi arabia and so forth where you see you can be darlingly welcome. Perhap, it’s not a must that you have to go to Isreal if you are such pathetic human being with no respect for humanity.

Human being are social creatures, for you to defend that northern/Arab out-dated taboo is critically inhuman and uncouth. Keep it up buddy by limiting your traveling passport. As the proud Southerner, I will never undermind my ambition to visit the Holy land where our savior Jesus christ was born. It’s just like you and Mohamed followers who eager to visit Mecca.
Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 09:06, by peter gatdet

Oshay u r not Sudanese oroginally and naturally.you r an Arab and Sudan is not one of the Arab countries,The Isreal travel ban was made for the Original Sudanese excluding Arab like u becuase Isreal are not Arab.
Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 11:09, by Sudani Logik

Please research the Israeli/ Palestinian conflict!

How could southerners (or anyone for that matter) who have suffered under countless oppressive regimes in Khartoum turn around and support the equally oppressive and brutal government of Israel??

The Israel government is conducting the longest military occupation of modern history and some of you people think they’re good, what a joke!!

As far as evidence is concerned the Israel government is just as guilty of oppression and marginalization as the NCP, NIF and previous Khartoum regimes who favor one group of people over another. "my enemy’s enemy is my friend" is heartless when it causes one to turn a blind eye to atrocities committed against humanity!

However, I think its a good move to remove the stamp so to allow Sudanese citizens to make their own choice based on freedom of choice and liberty but anyone who is familiar with the apartheid like system which the Jewish states practices should think twice before visiting Israel.

Just in case some of you want to reply with a retarded comment please look into how many Orthodox Jews deplore the Israeli government’s actions against non jews in Israel (and in some instances orthodox jews themselves) because of their stance against Zionism not Judaism (there’s a big difference between the two).

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 05:40, by Dinka Boy

Its is absosultey naive for the Government of Sudan to enforced the trouble ban to Isreal because its the Jew States. The passport should be flexible in which citizens would go any where in the continents. Mr criminal Bashier is behind the trouble ban. There is no difference to allowed the passport to those who live out Sudan to trouble. If you are wise enough how abouit if the refuse and ban Sudanese trouble too.

That is why We ( Southerners) fought you guys because you Arabs are selfish and suspicious for everything. My friend, when you guys called Sudan Arabs state will wage war aganist you. My advise to you Arabs, just used it for now and that is the end. Even if we divide SUdan or Unit it, it will not be called Sudan, its will have new names if we Unite,but if we separate your part will not remained as Sudan please noticed that in your mindset. My friend calling Sudan Arab nation is death dear criminals. Thanks

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 05:48, by Akol Liai Mager

This is a very, very welcome developments. We must praise SPLM and Ustaz Abdel Wahid Mohamed Al-Nur’s SLM for their fruitful advocacy.

What the Sudanese people are waiting for right now, are the historical political decisions from Al-Bashir to declare the dead of Old Sudan, Installation of New Sudan, Guilt for Darfur’s Genocide and a visit to Tel Aviv and Jerussalem.

All Sudan’s problems will be solved if Al-Bashir would courageously make decisions listed above; especially admitting his guilty of Darfur genocide and follow Abu Garda to Hague.

If Al-Bashir does that; he will receive a pardon from the victim families, but he needs to go to Juba away from those Islamic Gangs led by Not-Nafie and make those decisions there under the protection of New Sudan Forces.

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 06:31, by Monyde Bai

This passport thing is a distraction from real issues in the country. Now the talks over referendum and electoral laws has just hit a dead end today in Khartoum between the SPLM and NCP. The SPLM has issued a one week ultimatum to the NCP to do something or call over.

And for sure, enough is enough, the NCP as the senior partner in Government of National unity was suppose to champion the unity of the country by making unity attractive via removing all the obstacles, unjust laws and all sorts of discriminations. Secondly passed laws that facilitates free and fair elections and lastly passed referendum laws. Nonetheless, the NCP is inciting and insulting the people of South Sudan to declare their independent unileterally. The NIF/NCP is putting all possible obstacles in the way of South Sudanese freedom and is frustrating the SPLM at all veneus to elections and referendum with out knowing that its NCP will be held accountable for the cosequences and fall out that will be brougth about by southern unilateral declaration of independent.

I’m afraid that Sudan is on its dirrect way to somalization due to unpatriotic acts of the NCP idiocy of forcing the SPLM to the brinks and denying all avenues except unilateral declaration of independent which is the only choice available to southern citizens and their leaders. The NCP should not underestimate the SPLM that SPLM has SPLA and it is an armed party not like DUP, UMMA, POP and the rests of whinners in the north who just complains, whines, screams and ridiculously cries. Should it happens that the South is forced to make a unilateral declaration of independent as it is eminent and inevitable at the movement, the fall out is unpredictable and may not be far from total collapse of the Sudan. The only functioning government will be the ones in the Southern capital Juba. Should the Sudan government opt to pursue the South militarily an option of which SAF can not prevail and the Sudan army is defeated, Darfur, Nuba Mountains and Sotuhern blue Nile each will makes its own unilateral declaration of independent and the Far North will be claims by the Nubians who are the original owners of the northern part to the detriment of the Arabs.

It is in the best interests of the north to arrange free and fair elections, free and fair referendum and lets the South go peacefully so that good neighborness will be maintained and the North remains a single entity for a while. I do not gurantee that the North will be a single entity for more then 50 more years given the manners the Arabs northerners have been handling themselves at the contemtous down lookig at other ethnic groups and other non arabs muslims. Darfur, Nuba Mountains, Southern blue Nile and Far North of Dongla are going to go. Only the center will remains with the arabs to their detriment. Lets the NCP frustrate the SPLM over referendum and the southerners are going to exercise their rights through their representatives in Juba and lets face the consequences of collapsing and disintegration of the Sudan once and for all so that Sudan takes its rightful historical position among its peers such as Yugoslavia, Somalia and old kingdoms of Sparta, Rome and Athens.

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 06:32, by Time1

Finally they have recognized the great democratic state of Israel, more to come soon, we want to see Israeli embassy in Sudan and Sudanese embassy in tel aviv very soon.

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 07:32, by telfajbago

devils in god skin;it is worthwhile to mention here that Sudan’s Islamists had been for a long time exporting sesame to the State of Israel via Jordan and assisting Hamass and the radical Palestinian Islamists groups;furthermore, I wonder ,while the original Arabs have friendly relations with the Jewish state,the fake Arabs of Sudan are much harder in their antagonizing to Israel;Iam sure removing the stamp from the passport can do nothing to soften your stone-like hearts to recognize and respect the Jewish state;it is because you are eyeing accommodations with the U.S that is why you are making such foxy gestures,may be you have been told by Gration and your lobbyists to do that and Iam sure your political masters in Iran will not forgive you for doing it.However;the new generation will not waste efforts in stamps but will open embassies of Israel in Khartoum and everywhere in Sudan ;and build Arab hostility -free environment to the Jewish State, to foster defence pact between the secular democratic Sudan and the State of Israel;that will be through creating positive publicity networks within Sudan and outside,to educate the Sundanese masses about the lofty moralities,and to give a brighter picture of what Jewish nation are;creating new avenues of co-operation;building people to people relations between the two countries; concentrating on encouraging freely interactions and marriages; and generally build relations based on mutual understanding to the interests of Sudan and State of Israel,and Iam sure by that time the Islamist of Sudan will cross to Sudia Arabia or go under ground like Taliban.

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 08:07, by jalabi

That’s really bad news for south Sudan!

It’s clear that new Sudan policy is to make relation with Israel gradually and in a silent way, as we know, having good relation with Israel means good relation with Congress and America, if you’ve relation with Israel America will close its eye for what ever wrong you did, example for that Turkey State, they use to oppress and bombard Kurds and kill them frequently and America says nothing about that because of Turkey Israel relationship, Saddam hit Kurds by chemical weapons and America said nothing because of the good relation between them at that time, Serylanka perished Tamil rebel and America welcomed, India and Kashmeer, etc.

It’s just a matter of time till Sudan throw CPA into basket garbage and America will shut its mouth, not even that but will consider south new rebel a terrorist organization and Mr. Kiir and Pagan Amom will spend the rest of their life in Guantánamo prison!

Really bad news for southerners separatists.

Jalabi (Abo Jalabia)

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 09:13, by Biliu

That is a welcoming initiative by the Sudanese government, Israel like all other states recognized by the UN is a valid destination for all countries in terms of mutual and bilateral relations, while all Arabs including Egypt and Lebanon conducts public relations with Israel, Sudan should not be an exception, we the Southerners have a different stance about the Israel state, history is obvious, both Palestinian and Israeli have the same rights in the region, this ongoing conflict was a result of the Arab intervention, neither Israeli nor Palestinian are aliens in the region.
- Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 14:31, by mohamad adam
  
  i think northern politicians are just stiupid which problem do we have with israeil? do we shair borders? do they ocupy any sudanese teritory like uganda and kenya snatshing big rich parts of south sudan ? specialy kenya israiel is not an anemy to people of sudan we should think of making embassy in tellaviv and we allow them to get theirs in khartoum our fool government did the right step by lifting the ban and they should declare it on egypt for taking halaieb and kenya for taking the rich illim triangle
Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 10:01, by Ajinhliak kepiiny

Jalabii, avoid all these man and inform Damalele and Bashir to leave African Country for Arab countries, got it ?

Dalel described that "Sudan has no diplomatic relations established with Israel and remains hostile to the Jewish state on the grounds that it is occupying Arab lands.

Likewise, we remain hostile to you (ARABS) because you have occupied African country (SUDAN).

Better leave for Asian countries e.g Arabian peninsula to let Sudan remain with owners Southern Sudanese, Darfuris and others not ARABS !. Wait for my time otherwise you will groan in the graves.

Thanks.

Ithemar Sakit. Any thing new? !
- Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 10:50, by Dinkamoi
  
  Dear Southerners, this is a victory to the Jewish nation. I wonder why some of you are being troubled by Mr. Oshay. He is not an Arab nor a Muslim, we got a lead to him and soon I will tell you guys the good news regarding this intruder. We are working very slowly but be 100% sure of our primary target.
  
  I am writing to you from Tel Aviv and we the Southerners travel to Israel even before the removal of this word "Except Israel" so for us it is nothing unchange but a victory to Israel who can now travel direct from Nairobi, Kampala or Addis Ababa to Juba.
  - Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 14:17, by John Sebit
    
    Dear Southerners, I realy don’t know why we always deny the truth from coming, what have Isreali done to the People of Sudan, The problem was Religious because Arab does does like how Herod failed to slain Jesus when he sent his people to Bethalam to kill him leading to the killing of all under 2 years in the town & not that the Sudan don’t like Isreal, I support what any one appreciated about the approval of going to Isreal, Am in UAE & will depart this month to Isreal.
    - Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 16:59, by Tuaks
      
      Dear Fellowcountrymen. You are free to visit Israel , but the question is , will the Jewish State accept you, especially the Terroriest and Hamas supporters. What Change the Government to compremised? I think because they knew that Southern Sudan is on process of Self Governing and it will stablish Historical Diplomatic Bilateral Relationship with the Israel. In my opinion , Al Bashir and his consultants are trying to thank Israel in a shy manner because Israel never denounce or even talked about DarFur. Any way I encourage Sudan to stablish Bilateral Relations with Israel Praise the LORD God is Changing block headed Jalaba they had been denying our rights to visit Jerusalem and Worship the Lord in His Temple, while they travel to Saudia Arabia freely. I assure you that next Time will be removal of AL Aqsa Mosque, Praise the LORD, I will be first Sudanese to apply for entry visa as a piligrim.

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 19:51, by mohammed osman

I cannot believes my eyes this Ingaz government make us to bow down to the jewish and thier zionists agendas against the muslims.

We are ready to defend our rights from this zionists, let them free palestine now or there is no any relationships with them forever.

Allah cursed Omer basher for bowing down to the imperialists jewish killers of muslims. we need a new president this country is finish if Omer basher he is continues as presidents.

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 14 October 2009 21:02, by Dinka Aliap Chawul

There was no need in first place to impose travel ban on Israel since Sudan is not an Arab country.Sudanese are free people that should travel anywhere the feel comfortable with.

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 15 October 2009 00:27, by omer omer

some time ago i wrote the following to Ambssador Ukec, it seems worked out

To: Sudan Ambassador to the United States of America, Washington DC General/Professor John Lueth Ukec

I would like to congratulate your representation at Sudan embassy, DC and wish you success at your vital post of duty in the era of a new Sudan. It has been tirelessly noted that the Sudan and Sudanese people are a peaceful nation and always seeking to have a prosperous relations and respect with each other and all countries all over the globe with out exception. Thus, will eventually create support for more robust international role and solidarity of our nation, a nation that luckily blessed to share boarders with ten countries in Africa and across Asia as well. When we look at the Embassy web site, the visa section requirements, says, “Passports should not have Israeli visas or immigration stamps affixed to it”. It is very much revolting to advocate a hostility and unreceptive environment, for citizens from a nation that we do not have any historic or present conflict with us as a Sudanese people. In my opinion and many Sudanese, this denotes nothing other than to formulate adversaries and hate. This document has ignored the negative effects and the outcome that would create against the Sudanese; it clearly expresses reasons why we are denied access to travel between countries as this unwise obsolete recognition issue, as if we are a terrorist or atrocious acts doer. These suffering did not happen and cannot be experienced inside our country, it happened when we travel overseas. I have no doubt that you understand how conceivable removing this thoughtless prerequisite to obtain a visa for our country, especially in the US as a host country that positioned itself to serving world liberty, values and peace. Finally, I quote, “We all need to repent from all the bad things we have done to our nation”.

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 15 October 2009 02:41, by Lukudu

The act of removing Israel from travel ban is nothing but a big trap to catch those who would like to go to Israel. What do people think will happen if one asks for an exit visa to go to Israel? The answer is that you have asked to be killed. When the government said they do not allow Sudanese to travel to Israel from Sudan, what is the need for including Israel on to the list of countries that Sudanese would travel to? The real Arabs including the Palestinians who have long history of being enemies with Israels are living together and share many things in common, but what is Sudan or what has Israel done wrong against Sudan?

As Southern Sudanese, we not need to be exempted or restricted from the rest of the world as we all live in the same planet. It is neither hard nor difficult to enter Israel. We need to have strong ties with Israel as they are and will for ever be our best friends on earth. Now that we have many Sudanese living in Israel both Christians and Muslims, Israel does not discriminate among them on religious grounds. All Sudanese in Israel are treated equally regardless of their believe in what ever religion they practise.

All those Arab countries or moslem countries who are both enemies and are friends of Israel live in the same geographical location (the middle east)then why is Sudan bitter about Israel when it is an African country?

Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 15 October 2009 03:52, by Deng Gorwell

Dear Netters, I do agree with some of points you guys raise about the bill the Sudanese Government passed to remove ban or restriction of travel to Israel from Sudan. If you guys look on Arab countries, most of have relationships with Israel, you may laugh at Sudanese on how rowdy they are. If Egypt, the most Arabian country that have bitterness assaulted by Israel has relationship with Jew; why not The Sudan which has never exchanged weapons with Israel has to ban her citizens from entering Israel? This bills should not be taken has a step Sudanese took fairly, at least they can start to have some kind of relation with Jew before anyone can think of trying of going to Israel. Mubarak goes to Israel and many Arab leaders do why not the Sudanese who are not even real Arab are trying to prevent everyone who is not Arab to go to Israel? Many countries in the world do not restrict their citizens of travelling, but the country where citizens are travelling to; are the one who can pick and choose who should they allowed and who should not. However, Sudan where rules are upside down, they do what is good for dictators but not for public which means everyone is under arrest in Sudan. Hope Albashir will be the first to travel to Israel to soothe the relationship with them before anyone thinks of going even though he was under arrest warrant. The problem is, if Sudan will have a relation with Israel; what will be preaching verses of Sudanese Imams in Mosques on Fridays. I said that because all Arabs prayers either start with Israel and end with America or America and end with Israel. If the bill will involve relationship with Israel, then, Sudanese government is putting end on Sudanese Muslims Fridays preaching. Am cautious these dogs mean something they did not clearly said, but not lifting ban of travelling. Truely Yours Deng Gorwell
- Sudan removes Israel travel ban from new passport 15 October 2009 09:01, by Thon
  
  By thon5. Iam semi happy for that but be more happy if basier voluntarily sumbit him self to the Icc.