Work permits delayed by internal wrangling

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? A probe by the new Immigration Department director into suspected corruption in work permit issuance has caused staff on the work permit approval committee to slow down in protest of perceived interference.

What does the change mean? Processing of work permits is experiencing delays.

• Implementation timeframe: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: All work permits; Kenyan passports.
• Who is affected: Companies and foreign workers seeking work permits; Kenyans seeking new passports.
• Impact on processing times: The slowdown has caused delays.
• Business impact: Depending on how long the slowdown lasts, the delays and likely backlog may disrupt business schedules and assignments of foreign workers.

Background: Major-General Gordon Kihalwanga, a retired senior military official, was appointed Director of Immigration in August and initiated measures to combat alleged kickbacks in the issuance of work permits to foreign workers. The immigration committee has slowed its review of work permits in protest of the director’s allegations of corruption. The slowdown exacerbates delays caused by the recent closing of several immigration offices and reduction in services.

BAL Analysis: Companies should factor delays into their timelines.

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

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