On October 28, 2024, an article was published in the Kenyan newspaper (THE STAR), alleging that the Kenyan Minister for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, had indicated that 5,000 Kenyans were refugees in Qatar and they were being supported by International Organization for Migration (IOM).
We wish to correct this misrepresentation of the facts by stating that, at the time of the reporting, approximately 50 Kenyans working in Qatar were experiencing some challenges related to their work contracts and there are no Kenyan refugees in Qatar.
The Government of the Republic of Kenya, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, reaffirms the excellent and cordial bilateral relations with the State of Qatar.
Further, we note with great satisfaction that the Qatari Government has well-articulated and robust legal and policy frameworks for enabling Kenyan workers to function seamlessly and safely while in Qatar.
Indeed, the Kenyan Minister for Labour and Social Protection further confirms that Qatar is a safe and favourable destination for Kenyans seeking work opportunities.
In effect, currently, Qatar is home to approximately 70,000 (seventy thousand) Kenyans in various job categories, and more are poised to travel in the coming days.
The Kenyan Minister for Labour and Social Protection Is grateful to the Qatari Government for opening its doors to Kenyan workers and is looking forward to increased collaboration and cooperation.
To this end, the Cabinet Secretary notes that the recent visit to Kenya by Dr Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri, Minister for Labour for the State of Qatar, was instrumental in expanding job opportunities for Kenyan professionals and skilled workers.
Additionally, he observes that the imminent establishment of a Qatar Visa Center (QVC) in Nairobi is a welcome move since it would simplify pre-departure processes, stems irregular migration, and ensure a smooth transition for Kenyans travelling to Qatar.
In their meeting, both the Kenyan Minister for Labour and Social Protection and the Qatari Minister for Labour expressed optimism that this enhanced partnership will create more opportunities for Kenyans while contributing to the shared development aspirations of both Countries.
Dr Alfred Mutua is the Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary
