Visa-Free Entry Does Not Grant Work Rights, State Warns
The government said foreigners must still meet work-permit rules, as authorities move to curb misuse of visa arrangements and protect local traders.
- On Sunday, Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui clarified that Kenya's visa-free entry policy does not permit foreign nationals to work or conduct business in the country.
- The clarification precedes today's deadline set by President William Ruto for foreign nationals operating small-scale retail shops to close their enterprises, following his September 2 directive reserving petty trade for Kenyans.
- Kinyanjui noted the "deliberate misuse of visa applications," with visitors entering as tourists before engaging in unauthorized trade, while Local traders complained foreign operators sell goods at prices difficult for micro-enterprises to match.
- Parliament is considering the Local Content Bill, which proposes foreign firms source at least 60 per cent of goods from Kenyan companies while at least 80 per cent of workforce comprises Kenyan citizens.
- Taken together, these measures could carry diplomatic risks if affected countries respond with similar restrictions against Kenyans operating abroad, as Kenya must balance protecting Local traders without undermining regional trade commitments.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Kenya escalates war against foreign hawkers with tougher immigration measures despite visa-free entry
Kenya has drawn a clear distinction between its visa-free entry policy and the right of foreign nationals to work, trade or operate businesses in the country, saying easier access to the country does not remove existing immigration and work-permit requirements.
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Thousands of Burundian and Rwandan nationals have converged on bus terminals across Kenya, seeking to return home after President William Ruto announced a crackdown on foreign nationals operating hawking and small trading businesses without proper documentation. The announcement, which takes effect September 7, has triggered scenes of panic in Nairobi and other urban centers, with […] The post Burundians Flee Kenya as Crackdown on Foreign Trader…
Visa-Free Entry Does Not Permit Work – Kenya
Kenya’s government has clarified that its visa-free entry policy does not automatically give foreigners the right to work or operate businesses in the country,… The post Visa-Free Entry Does Not Permit Work – Kenya appeared first on Latest Breaking News - News Central TV.
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