Govt to address visa processing hurdles through international labour agreements

In a bid to streamline visa processing and create pathways for skilled Kenyan workers abroad, the government is leveraging international labour agreements as part of a broader strategy to combat unemployment.

The initiative is particularly aimed at the country's graduates, ensuring they are well-positioned to meet the rising global demand for specialised skills.

During a training session in Kilifi for 25 nurses recruited to Australia, State Labour and Skills Development PS Shadrack Mwadime refuted claims that the government is prioritising the export of unskilled labour.

He emphasised that the government is rather actively working to secure international positions for Kenyan graduates across various professions.

"The focus on skilled labour is part of our strategy to reduce the high number of unemployed graduates while empowering them to take advantage of global opportunities," said Mwadime.

"We are negotiating international labour agreements to open new employment avenues and simplify the documentation process for graduates seeking jobs overseas."

Co-founder of Kenstria Agency, Fredrick Kahoria addresses a press conference in Kilifi County, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, where he attended a training session for 25 nurses recruited to work in Australia. (Photo: Addis Standard Sources)

The PS highlighted ongoing collaborations with recruitment agencies, such as Kenstria Agency, which has been facilitating the placement of nurses in Australia every three months.

Mwadime also disclosed that they are finalising agreements with countries like Germany to speed up visa processing for Kenyan professionals.

"We have discussed visa processing issues extensively. The agreements we are signing will ensure that visa processing is expedited. For instance, in the agreement with Germany, we have arranged for additional officials to be stationed at their embassy in Nairobi to speed up the process."

Mwadime also noted that the government is not only focusing on the medical field but is also targeting other professions. "We're not just talking about nurses. We have agreements that will benefit ICT experts, medical doctors, engineers, and even teachers. Recently, Kenyan teachers secured positions in the United States," he added.

The government, according to the PS, is committed to organising and structuring the migration of Kenyan professionals abroad. "Our goal is to ensure that Kenyans migrate in an organised and structured way, unlike in the past, where it was done haphazardly," Mwadime said.

The co-founder of Kenstria Agency, Fredrick Kahoria, mentioned that this is the third round of recruitment they have conducted this year, with 25 nurses selected each time.

"We started this programme earlier this year, and it has been successful in securing international opportunities for our graduates," Kahoria said.

State Labour and Skills Development PS Shadrack Mwadime addresses a press conference in Kilifi County, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, where he attended a training session for 25 nurses recruited to work in Australia. (Photo: Addis Standard Sources)