Understanding immigration in Kenya

Kenya’s economic growth and favorable political conditions have continued to attract more foreigners into the country.  Although most of these come as visitors, a good proportion of them tend to stay in the country for months or even years.  Apart from people coming into the country from other  East  African countries,  it  is  a requirement that immigrants must have relevant  VISAs, permits and passes are also needed  for foreigners who want  to visit,  work, or invest  in  the country.
To help  potential  immigrants  we explore  these documents, how  to apply  for them  and  the Kenya Government  requirements

VISAS

i. Ordinary visa (multiple or single entry): Issued  to foreigners  from  countries  that require  a visa  to enter  Kenya for  residence  or visit.
ii. Transit  visa: Issued  to individuals  from  countries  whose  nationalities  need a visa  to travel  through  Kenya
iii. Diplomatic visa (multiple or single entry): This  is  a visa  for  diplomatic  passport holders  who  are on official  duties.
iv. Courtesy/Official  Visa: The  visa  is given to holders  of  official  pass port and ordinary passport holders  who  are on official  duties.

Requirements  for a Kenyan  visa

An  individual  applying  for a Kenyan  visa  must  have  all  the  documents  below:
i. Correctly  filled  application  form
ii. An  original  passport
iii. Two color  passport  size  photos
iv.A cheque  for  the visa  fees
v. An  envelope  that  is  self-addressed  and stamped
NOTE: The fees charged  on Visa  issuance  are $20 for  Transit  Visa,  $10 for referral  visas,  $50 for ordinary/Single  journey  visa,  and $100 for  Multiple  Journey  Visa.
PERMITS
The following  passes are applicable
i. Class A: Issued  to foreigners  involved  in  prospecting  and mining.
ii. Class B:  Issued to individuals  in  agriculture  and animal  husbandry
iii. Class C: Issued  to professionals  such  as surveyors,  engineers,  veterinary  surgeons, dentists,  and legal  professionals.
iv.Class D:Workers in  specific  manufacturing
v.Class G: Issued  to foreigners  involved  in consultancy,  business,  and trade.
vi.Class I: For people  visiting  Kenya  for religious  or charitable  activities.
vii. Class M: Issued  to refugees  seeking  asylum  in  the  country.
NOTE:  It is  important  to note that  the  durations  of the permits  may  vary  depending  to the uniqueness  of an individual’s  case. There is also an option to apply for an extension  of the initial permit.  Apart from  class  M category,  all  the permits  have  a processing  fee  of KSH 10,000.
However,  they  have  varying  issuance  fees per year.
PASSES
The following  passes are applicable  in Kenya
i.Dependant’s Pass: The  pass is  issued  to dependants  of  a Kenyan  citizen,  permanent resident,  and holder  of work permit.
ii. Student’s Pass: Issued to foreign  students  who have  been  accepted by educational  or training  institutions  in  Kenya.
iii. Intern/Researcher’s Pass: for  foreigners  doing  research  or internship  in  the country. The  pass duration  is less  than  12 months.
iv.Visitor’s Pass: This  is for  tourists  or foreigners  visiting  the  country  for  a temporary purpose. The pass’ duration  is a maximum  of 6 months.
v.Transit  Pass: The  pass issued  to foreigners  traveling  through  the country  to another country.
vi. Special Pass: Issued  to individuals applying  for  a review  of  their  denied  pass application. Its duration  is  less  than  six  months.
NOTE: Transit Pass does not have  issuance  fees.  The others  cost between  KSH 1000 andKSH 500 per year. Issuance  fee  on Special  Pass is,  however, KSH 15,000 per month.
Requirements  for permits  and  passes
i. Certified  copies  of academic  or professional  certificates
ii. A valid  passport
iii. National  identity  cards
iv. Curriculum  Vitae
v. Employer  application  letter
vi. Clearance  letter  from  the  relevant  government  ministries

THE  CHANGES  IN KENYAN  IMMIGRATION SYSTEM

The  Directorate  of Immigration has  introduced  new  procedures  for applications  for visas, permits,  and passes with  effect  from  2016. The  Directorate will  only  accept applications  made through  their  online  portal.  Online application  is  a huge  change  from  the traditional  physical applications.  Although  the application  will  be online, the Directorate  will  still  require  applicants to present  their  documents  physically  at the immigration  offices near  them  for verifications.
Foreigners wishing  to travel  into  the  country  are advised  to research  further  as the requirements and fees  for visas,  permits,  and passes may  change  from  time  to time.  Applications  for permits, visas,  and passes can be made  online on the  official website  of the  immigration  ministry.  It is, however,  better  to work with  local  agents,  such  as Career Options  Africa,  who  are experts  in  the field  to ensure  smooth  entry  and stay  in  Kenya.  The  firm  will  handle  all  the immigration applications  for  you.