IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Kenya is now requiring work permit, special pass and dependent pass applicants to upload certain immigration documents before submitting hard copies of their applications.

What does the change mean? Applicants should be sure they have uploaded all of the required documents before lodging an application. The requirement applies to new applications, including renewals; it does not affect applications that have already been submitted.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Work permits, special passes and dependent passes.
  • Who is affected: Anyone applying for work permits, special passes and dependent passes.
  • Business impact: The extra step of submitting supporting documents to the online portal may add time to the application process. Businesses may need to adjust their time lines accordingly.
  • Next steps: The Republic of Kenya electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) Portal is available at https://fns.immigration.go.ke.

Additional Information: Work permit, special pass and dependent pass applications all require additional documents be uploaded. For work permits, the additional supporting documents include a contract/letter of engagement of the understudy and certified copies of academic and professional certificates. For Special Passes, the additional supporting documents include a contract/letter of engagement of the assignee. For dependent passes, proof of sufficient and assured income to support the applicant and a dependent or dependents must be uploaded to the online portal.

While these documents have always been part of the statutory requirements, immigration officials very rarely requested them. Authorities have now said that these requirements will be enforced more strictly going forward. They now have to be shared online and in hard copy, in addition to the other standard required documents.

Analysis & Comments: Applicants who do not upload the required immigration documents to the online portal before submitting their hard copy applications risk having their applications delayed or denied. Applicants and employers are encouraged to work closely with Deloitte throughout the application process.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.