Govt Issues Survival Tips for Kenyans Seeking Jobs Abroad

Undated file image of Nairobi job seekers waiting to hand in their applications to an employer.
Undated file image of Nairobi job seekers waiting to hand in their applications to an employer.
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With the high rate of unemployment in the country, many Kenyans look for greener pastures in the international job market. However, recent media reports indicate that it may not be a bed of roses for Kenyans working abroad.

In addressing these challenges, Labour Cabinet Secretary, Simon Chelugui, has cautioned Kenyans seeking to work abroad of the need to follow various critical steps when applying for these jobs .

During an interview on a local TV station on Saturday, October 30, the CS detailed various dos and don'ts for Kenyans stating that the tips would ensure their safety during their stay abroad.

Undated file image of someone holding the Kenyan Passport
Undated file image of someone holding the Kenyan Passport
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“Going abroad is a choice. We are discouraging any Kenyan to leave on their own terms by just boarding a plane and trying their luck abroad,” the CS discouraged.

Most importantly, Chelugui noted that it was vital for Kenyans to seek job opportunities through established recruitment agencies in the country. He noted that the government had stepped in to regulate the agencies further stating that Kenyan workers had previously ignored this critical step.

"We vet them through an inter-agency team with the assistance of various government institutions. These agencies usually file returns of workers that they have sent abroad and this makes it easier when there is a worker in distress."

"The problems (mistreatment of workers) we have experienced is because a majority of Kenyans go abroad on their own. We just come to know about that these cases when they are brought to the limelight," Chelugui stated.

Secondly, the CS advised Kenyans to visit the Labour ministry to check if the jobs they had applied for were accredited by the government. He explained that most of the credited jobs were often posted on their website.

"Once the agents have processed all those and opportunities they come to the ministry to confirm. Once it is confirmed, we post it on the website to register that someone is a registered worker abroad," the Chelugui disclosed.

Additionally, the CS revealed that there were several training programs available for Kenyans urging the public to undertake the courses before traveling to other countries.

"Predeparture training gives you additional information about the departure training you are going to and helps you to settle  down Apart from the technical know-how, there are behavioural expectations and cultural issues of destination countries,"

"There are things such as spitting and shouting that are considered alien in host countries. For example, in the Middle East majority of them are Muslims and there are expectations when it comes to dressing, food, and behaviour," Chelugui cautioned.

Lastly, the CS added that it was important for Kenyan workers to respect laws in host countries adding that it was necessary for the workers to sign valid working contracts.

“When you leave the country ensure that you visit our embassy abroad to confirm that you are in the country," the Labour CS advised.

However, Chelugui acknowledged that there were serious human resources challenges in some countries, especially in the Middle East, adding that they were working around the clock to ensure that Kenyans are protected in those countries.

Undated file image of Ministry of Labour Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui at a previous event.
Undated file image of Ministry of Labour Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui at a previous event.
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