Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has stressed that Kenya will follow international best practices as it implements a recently signed job pact with Germany.
The deal, which will see 250,000 Kenyans get job and study opportunities in the European nation, was confirmed by President William Ruto during his foreign tour.
Mutua is part of Ruto’s delegation and has welcomed the pact, stressing that the country values the support accorded by Germany.
“We are excited about the implementation of the recently signed Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between Kenya and Germany. This agreement opens up opportunities for Kenyans to work and train in both countries.
“Kenya deeply values the support from the German government and recognizes Germany’s labour demands, which align with Kenya’s pool of talented, qualified workers.
“Our government is committed to regulating labour migration by ensuring that only licensed, ethical agencies operate, safeguarding Kenyan job seekers. We will follow international best practices in labour migration,” the former Machakos County governor, said in a statement on his X on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Details of pact
The labour mobility pact will facilitate the placement of Kenyan talent in opportunities in Germany and alleviate German labour shortages.
Also, it will promote the mobility of skilled workers, apprentices, and students for training, vocational education, and employment, including seasonal work.
The German Chancellery says the deal will support cooperation on fair and ethical recruitment and create a framework for combating the exploitation of labour, human trafficking, and irregular migration.
The deal states that both governments will support and facilitate the immigration of skilled workers into Germany as long as their qualifications are recognised in the European country.
To achieve this, Germany will not require a job market test before employing skilled workers. Also, it will review whether a person meets the requirements to enter Germany to look for work or to live there while employed.
Additionally, Germany will consider extending temporary residence permits for skilled workers who have secured an approved job and make efforts to promote the legal immigration of IT specialists, even if they do not have formal qualifications.
