The Department of Immigration services on Monday, September 14, issued new directives targeting foreigners who have been in the country since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"In light of the eased Covid-19 related restrictions and resumption of international travel, the Directorate of Immigration Services has lifted an earlier amnesty on stay in the country beyond the stipulated 6 months,
"Visitors are hereby given 2 weeks with effect from September 14, 2020, to either: make arrangement to depart within 14 days or apply for residency (permit or pass) to regularise their stay," the press releases reads in part.
Those seeking to make an application for residency were directed to make their application via the immigration website.
The Director General at the Immigration department, Alexander Muteshi Imbenzi, further cautioned against ignoring the new directive
He made it clear that upon expiry of the 14-day window, Section 53 (1)j of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act (2011) would be effected.
This particular clause stipulates the general offences, with section j stating 'A person who unlawfully enters or is unlawfully present in Kenya in contravention of this Act'.
There are 7 classifications of Work/Residence Permits available in Kenya as detailed below.
Class A– Issued to persons who intend to engage in prospecting for minerals or mining.
Class B– Work permit issued to persons wishing to invest in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.
Class D– This issued to a person who is offered specific employment by a specific employer who is qualified to undertake that employment.
Class G– Work permit issued to investors in specific trade, business or consultancy.
Class I– Work/Residence permit issued to a member of missionary society approved by the Government of Kenya and whose presence is beneficial to the country.
Class K– Residence permit issued to persons who have an assured income derived from sources outside and undertakes not to accept paid employment of any kind.
Class M– Work permit issued to Conventional Refugees.
