Revealed: Immigration audit for illegal foreign workers

Revealed: Immigration audit for illegal foreign workers

Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has given a number of directives on the operations of the Immigration Department and the Police Service following his 60-day ultimatum on regularisation of work permits for foreigners.

Speaking during a recent meeting in Mombasa, the CS emphasised the need to have more strict processes for approval of permit applications.

He said Immigration officials need to thoroughly vet foreigners in strict accordance to the Kenyan laws.

Dr. Matiang’i wondered why work permits were being issued for positions deemed to be reserved for Kenyans.

“Give me one reason why we need to give a permit to someone coming to be an accountant in Kenya or in the case of civil society, why give a permit to a programme officer with the number of graduates who have masters degrees,” he posed.

An audit report seen by Citizen Digital reveals that the Government will establish a digital register for foreign workers.

The move is to enable generation of electronic permits (e-permits); an ID – like permit. Those with valid and authenticated permits will be issued with new e-permits.

Priority will be given to foreign nationals working in the essential services sector such as missionaries, medical practitioners and academic serving in the local universities.

After the 60 day period, joint immigration and police raids audits will follow to fish out illegal foreign workers and immigrants.

Those found without permits will face different forms of removal including  repatriation and deportation.

The CS further said that the finalization of an integrated population and registration system, resulting in holistic data will be captured in a single document.

The single identity card will carry biographical data that relates to an individual’s national identity card number; driver’s license number; National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) number and National Social Security Fund (NSSF) number.

The three-month ultimatum for regularisation of work permits for foreigners began on April 23 and will end on July 13.

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Immigration Dr. Fred Matiang’i work permits Foreigners work permits kenya work permit

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