Kenyan nationals stuck in Oman headline labour talks
By Kenneth Mwenda, February 5, 2026Kenyan diplomats raised concerns about citizens stranded in Oman during a meeting with Omani officials, the Foreign Affairs department said in a post on X on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
The talks, held in Nairobi, focused on bilateral relations but also highlighted the plight of Kenyans deceived by dishonest employment agents. Both sides discussed measures to curb fraud and protect workers seeking jobs abroad.
Deputy Director General Ambassador Lindsay Kiptiness hosted Ambassador Nasra Salim Mohamed Al-Hashmi, Oman’s envoy to Kenya. The meeting reviewed ongoing efforts to strengthen relations between the two nations.
“Both sides expressed confidence that sustained dialogue and engagement would further strengthen bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries,” the Kenyan Foreign Affairs department said in a statement on X.
Officials tracked progress on several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) from last year’s political consultations in Oman. These agreements cover labour, agriculture, investments, taxation, air services, and ports. Ambassadors noted steady progress in finalising the deals.
Trade featured prominently in the discussions. Ambassador Al-Hashmi highlighted Oman’s rising demand for Kenyan farm products, including mangoes, avocados, potatoes, dried lime, passion fruit, and macadamia nuts. She encouraged Kenyan farmers to seize these opportunities.
Both countries agreed that a phytosanitary agreement is necessary to make trade in fresh produce easier.
Stranded Kenyans highlight risks
Labour issues, however, took centre stage. Officials expressed concern over Kenyan nationals stranded in Oman, currently sheltering at the Kenyan Embassy. Many fell victim to scams by unscrupulous agents in Kenya who promised jobs abroad but delivered nothing.
“The meeting noted with concern the situation of several Kenyan nationals stranded in Oman and currently sheltering at the Kenya Embassy, having been defrauded by unscrupulous employment agents in Kenya on false promises of jobs in Oman,” the Foreign Affairs post said.
Ambassador Al-Hashmi clarified Oman’s visa policies to prevent future cases. She said Oman does not grant tourist visas for employment purposes.
“Oman does not issue tourist visas to Kenyans for employment purposes,” she stated, adding that job seekers should use only official and approved channels.
The warning aims to stop people from risking exploitation through informal routes.
The stranded Kenyans’ experiences highlight a larger problem of human trafficking disguised as job offers. Agents charge high fees, offer fake contracts, and abandon victims abroad. Once in Oman, many face legal troubles, including detention or threats of deportation. The Kenyan Embassy provides temporary shelter and assists with repatriation, but resources are limited.
Kenyan authorities have long fought such fraud. In recent years, the government has cracked down on unlicensed agencies and promoted safe migration. The Foreign Affairs department runs awareness campaigns, urging citizens to verify job offers through embassies. Yet cases persist, particularly among young people seeking better pay abroad.