Kenya reiterates support for safe migration of skilled labour

Nairobi: Kenya reaffirms its commitment to enabling safe migration for skilled workers, aiming to facilitate their travel and settlement abroad, which in turn will generate revenue for the government through remittances. This announcement comes as the nation prepares for International Migrants Day on December 18. Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, highlighted.

Nairobi: Kenya reaffirms its commitment to enabling safe migration for skilled workers, aiming to facilitate their travel and settlement abroad, which in turn will generate revenue for the government through remittances. This announcement comes as the nation prepares for International Migrants Day on December 18.

Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, highlighted the crucial role of migrant workers in fostering socioeconomic development, knowledge transfer, and cultural diversity, emphasizing the importance of their legal protection, as reported by Xinhua. He reinforced the government’s dedication to a migration policy that benefits both its citizens and those from neighboring nations, aiming for growth and stability.

Bitok stated, “Migration is essential for our national development, as it enhances talent, cultural diversity, and the exchange of skills and technology. We are committed to ensuring safe and orderly migration.”

In a joint effort to raise awareness about migrants’ rights and the advantages of regular migration pathways, Kenya and the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) organized a two-kilometer walk in Nairobi leading up to International Migrants Day.

Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, remarked that this day serves as a reminder to leverage the skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of migrants to drive economic growth and social renewal in Kenya. She also noted that the country is dedicated to granting legal status to migrants from neighboring countries and ensuring their access to essential services such as education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities.

Sharon Dimanche, Chief of Mission for IOM Kenya, pointed out that multilateral organizations are collaborating with national governments to promote legal migration as a means to address skills shortages and encourage innovation, peace, and social cohesion.

The theme for the upcoming International Migrants Day in 2024 will focus on “Honoring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights,” highlighting the positive impact migrants have on the welfare of host countries.