Kenya clarifies on work permits for foreigners
CAPTION: The Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi.
By Daisy Moraa
NAIROBI – Kenya has clarified the requirements for East African Community (EAC) nationals seeking to live, work, trade, invest or undertake other lawful activities in the country, with the government stressing that the Class R Permit remains free.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said EAC citizens seeking to reside and engage in lawful activities in Kenya should apply for the Class R Permit through official government channels.
The permit is available to nationals of Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia. The government does not charge a processing or issuance fee for the permit.
Mudavadi Warns Against Brokers
Mudavadi said the government had noted confusion between the Class R Permit and the separate registration requirement for foreign nationals who have stayed in Kenya for more than 90 days.
“We wish to clarify that foreign-national registration is separate from the Class R Permit. Kenyan law requires foreign nationals residing in Kenya for more than 90 days to be registered. This registration process is distinct from the Class R Permit application and should not be confused with a charge for the permit,” he said.
The government has urged EAC nationals whose immigration documents require regularisation to avoid using intermediaries when making applications.
“Nobody should be charging an EAC citizen for the Class R Permit. The government has made the permit free. Applicants should use the official eFNS and eCitizen platforms and deal directly with the Directorate of Immigration Services,” he said.
Applicants seeking the Class R Permit must submit a valid passport and, where applicable, documents showing their current immigration status.
They must also provide supporting documents related to the work, business, investment or other activity they intend to undertake in Kenya. These may include a cover letter outlining the proposed activities, a certificate showing registration of the organisation or business, and relevant academic and professional certificates.
Professionals working in areas regulated by professional bodies must provide the relevant clearance letters or licences.
Different Requirements for Applicants
The documents required may vary depending on an applicant’s category. Investors, employees, professionals and small-scale traders may therefore be required to submit different supporting documents when applying for the permit.
In some cases, applicants whose documents have been processed may be required to print them and appear at designated Immigration offices. The process may include verification, endorsement and completion of other procedures.
The government has also maintained that foreign nationals who have stayed in Kenya for more than 90 days must comply with the registration requirement unless they fall under exemptions provided by law.
EAC nationals who are required to register have been advised to use the official channels provided by the Directorate of Immigration Services instead of third parties.
Mudavadi said the measures should not be viewed as a barrier to regional movement, noting that Kenya continues to support the EAC integration agenda.
“East African integration is about bringing our people closer together, expanding opportunities and making our region more prosperous. Kenya will continue to support lawful and orderly movement of EAC citizens while protecting the integrity of our immigration system,” he said.
He added that EAC nationals remain important to Kenya’s economy through their participation in business, employment, investment and trade.
“Our EAC brothers and sisters should continue to come to Kenya, invest, trade, work and contribute to our economy. Those who are already here should regularise their documentation and continue with their lawful activities with confidence,” he said.
