The Canadian Government on Thursday, May 18, outlined terms under which Kenyan job seekers must fulfil while hunting for employment opportunities in the North American nation.
Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it acknowledged the great relations between the two countries and promised to facilitate a pilot programme that would see the first batch of Kenyans employed in the country.
In a statement shared by Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, the two agreed that Kenyan job seekers will have to meet the existing conditions in order to be eligible to work in the country.
“Canada values its close ties to Kenya and recognises the tremendous economic, cultural and social benefits that Kenyans bring when they choose to immigrate to Canada.
"Minister Fraser thanked Cabinet Secretary Mutua for Kenya’s cooperation and support for Canada’s response to the conflict in Sudan and for aiding in the success of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot. The pilot is gaining momentum, with skilled refugees immigrating and continuing their professional careers in Canada," read part of the statement.
The conditions set include meeting the requirements of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which will be issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to employers who will be hiring Kenyan workers.
If the LMIA is approved, the employer must provide the foreign worker with a copy of the LMIA and a letter of offer of employment. The foreign worker must then apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The job seekers will have to prove that they have the required skills and experience for the job they are applying for and be able to speak and understand basic English or French.
Kenyan job seekers who meet these conditions will apply for a work permit from the Canadian Government. The application process can be complex but the two countries will simplify the process at their embassies.
“Canada is proud to be a top destination for global talent and an increasingly popular destination for Kenyan nationals, including international students and workers in the agriculture industry.
"Minister Fraser and the Cabinet Secretary agreed that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officials will provide Kenyan officials with a comprehensive briefing of all of Canada’s available immigration programs and additional insights into how all foreign nationals can apply to these programs," read part of the statement.
In Nairobi, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs dismissed reports that the Canadian government rebuked CS Mutua for misleading Kenyan job seekers.
The ministry noted that some people with ulterior motives had hijacked the talks and created fictitious websites aimed at stealing from job seekers.
"This is the reason why Mutua cautioned Kenyans to beware and deal with registered and approved agents," read part of the statement from the Ministry.
