Strict entry rules in US, UK push Kenyan job seekers to Gulf countries: report

The Global Migration Report 2024 has revealed the main destinations of Kenyan and African migrants seeking greener pastures.

According to the report, some of the reasons why Kenyans leave the country are unemployment, climate change and violence.

The report revealed that the Gulf region was the key destination for Kenyans seeking to work abroad. Kenyans are lucky to have access to jobs in the hospitality, security, construction and retail sectors.

With this, the Gulf countries have surpassed the United Kingdom and the United States, which previously competed for the main destination of Kenyans and Africans.

President William Ruto (left) with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Dubai on the sidelines of COP28.

Photo

UK Embassy

Additionally, the Gulf is close to Africa, making it easier for migrants to access. The cost of traveling is also less compared to traveling to western countries.

“The proximity of the Gulf, coupled with the increasing difficulty of entering previously traditional destination countries (e.g. the United Kingdom and the United States), have made the GCC states attractive options for labor migration,” it reads. in part of the report.

This eastward movement is the result of numerous factors, such as the ease of entering some countries. Some of the Western countries have different entry requirements that may slow down or hinder travel.

Another reason for the rampant migration is the existence of numerous recruitment agencies in Kenya and other East African countries that facilitate the travel of more Kenyans.

Additionally, the Kenyan government has several bilateral labor agreements with some Gulf countries that create regulations governing the employment of Kenyans in those countries.

“Regular and irregular labor migration from East Africa to the Gulf is frequent and has increased over time, making the Eastern Corridor one of the busiest maritime migration routes in the world,” the report reads in part.

As more Kenyans go to the Gulf region, the country receives more remittances running into billions. Data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) indicates that Saudi Arabia is among the top three sources of remittances to Kenya.

Between January and August 2023, Kenyans in Saudi Arabia sent 32.3 billion shillings ($246 million), compared to 203.8 billion shillings ($1.55 billion) from the United States and 30 billion shillings ($228.6 million) dollars) of the United Kingdom.

In January, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development reduced the hiring of Kenyan domestic workers from Ksh 462,302 (SR 10,870) to Ksh 382,700 (SR 9,000). This further attracts more Kenyans to travel for employment in the country.

However, it is worth noting that Kenyans in the Gulf countries have complained of different forms of abuse, including physical and sexual violence, restriction of freedom, abusive and coercive labor practices, and deceptive, unfair work environments. and insecure.

In response to these complaints, the government has introduced new measures to protect Kenyans working abroad, especially in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, according to the report, large numbers of Ugandan and Ethiopian nationals are also traveling to the region.

Labor Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore

Photo

Ministry of Labor and Social Protection