The Ministry of Interior on Monday directed all refugees and asylum seekers living in Kenya to surrender their travel documents within thirty days.
In its announcement, the Ministry disclosed that it received information that some refugees were fraudulently using passports from their country of origin for travelling outside the country.
While making the announcement, the Commissioners of Refugees warned that failure to comply with the directive could result in legal consequences including cancellation of refugee status.
According to the Commissioner of Refugees, failure to heed the orders could similarly lead to the expulsion of a refugee from the country of asylum as provided by Section 17 of the Refugees Act.
The Commissioner further noted the government would immediately cancel an individual from refugee status if they fraudulently misrepresented or omitted critical information about themselves.
He also clarified that a refugee could lose their status when there is adequate evidence that a person should not have been recognised as a refugee.
The Commissioner of Refugees in his announcement called on all refugees to cooperate with the above directive to ensure their status and rights are protected by international laws and the Refugees Act of 2021.
"Your safety and well-being are our top priority, and we are committed to upholding the rights and protection of all refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya," read part of the notice from the Commissioner of Refugees.
“The Department of Refugee Services appreciates your understanding and cooperation," the notice further read in part.
The latest directive comes barely two months after President William Ruto's administration began the process of integrating over 700,000 refugees from the Dadaab and Kakuma camps.
The process which kicked off in July was reached during a meeting with members of the Senate and National Assembly from both Turkana and Garissa counties.
According to the United Nations, transitioning refugees into integrated settlements is aimed at promoting the socio-economic inclusion of refugees and bringing additional support to other Kenyan communities.
