Temporary Suspension of Processing During Immigration Department Reorganization

Clients should anticipate temporary delays in application processing in Kenya. The Department of Immigration Services (DIS) is currently undergoing an internal reorganization and making significant changes under the leadership of newly appointed Director Jane Waikenda (see our previous alert). In an informal directive today, the DIS indicated that it has suspended processing of all applications, work permits, special passes, and citizenship and permanent residence applications. While the directive did not mention passes for dependents or pupils, these are expected to be delayed as well.

Further delays are anticipated as the DIS issues accreditation letters to all third parties who submit applications on behalf of applicants. Until these letters are issued, delays are anticipated for passport endorsements, visa applications and extensions, as well as the submission of fees for approved applications.

The delays due to the reorganization are expected to be temporary, and procedures are not anticipated to change significantly. Until DIS releases an official announcement in the coming weeks, clients are advised to continue preparing applications and to be ready to submit as soon as the DIS resumes processing. Furthermore, if an employee has an urgent need to enter Kenya, he or she will need to obtain either a visitor or business visa at the Kenyan consulate or at the airport upon arrival. It should be emphasized that the business visa will allow an employee to attend meetings and training, but should not be treated as a work authorization.

BAL will provide further details as they become available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Kenya. For additional information, please contact GlobalVisaGroup@bal.com.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.