Government unveils plan to address migrant worker visa processing woes

In order to simplify visa processes and create opportunities for skilled migrant workers in Kenya, the government is using international labour agreements as part of a broader strategy to reduce unemployment. The initiative targets the country’s graduates, ensuring they are well prepared to meet the growing global demand for professional skills.

At a recent training session in Kilifi for 25 nurses seeking to work in Australia, State Labour and Skills Development PS Shadrack Mwadime responded to concerns about the government’s focus on exporting unskilled labour by stressing that the government was actively working to secure international positions for Kenyan graduates in various industries.

“Our focus on a skilled workforce is central to our strategy to reduce the large number of unemployed graduates and help them seize global opportunities.” Mwadime explained.

“We are negotiating international labour agreements to open up new employment avenues and simplify paperwork for graduates to work abroad.”

Partner with a recruitment agency

Mwadime highlighted the ongoing collaboration with recruitment agencies, including Kenstria Agency, which places nurses in Australia every three months.

He also disclosed that the government is finalising agreements with countries such as Germany to expedite visa processing for Kenyan professionals.

“We have thoroughly discussed the visa processing challenges.” Mwadime said. “The agreements we are finalizing will speed up the process. For example, our agreement with Germany includes sending additional officers to its embassy in Nairobi to speed up visa processing.”

The PS also pointed out that the government’s efforts are not limited to the medical field. “We are not just focusing on nurses. We have agreements in place to benefit ICT experts, doctors, engineers and even teachers. Recently, Kenyan teachers have been offered positions in the United States,” He added.

Mwadim said the government was committed to organizing and structuring the migration of Kenyan professionals.Our goal is to ensure that Kenyans migrate in an organized and systematic manner, rather than haphazardly as has happened in the past.” He said.

Kenstria co-founder Frederick Kaholia noted that this is the third round of recruitment they have conducted this year, selecting 25 nurses in each round.

“We launched the program earlier this year and it has been successful in gaining international opportunities for our graduates.” Kaholia said.