Why government has halted Nationwide recruitment for overseas job

 

The Kenyan government has temporarily paused the nationwide recruitment process for overseas jobs. This decision, announced by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, came after logistical challenges emerged during the exercise and amid ongoing reforms to improve the framework for labor migration. Here is a detailed explanation of the reasons behind this move:

1. High Volume of Applications

The recruitment drive attracted a massive response from job seekers. Over 5,900 applications were recorded within just six counties, and the government acknowledged that agencies involved in the process were struggling to handle the influx efficiently. To avoid chaos and ensure fairness, the Ministry of Labour decided to halt the recruitment temporarily to process existing applications and reassess the operational capacity of recruitment agencies.

2. Ensuring Compliance with New Regulations

The Kenyan government has introduced a series of reforms to streamline the labor migration process and protect workers from exploitation. These include:

Registration Requirements for Agencies: Recruitment agencies now need to meet stricter standards, including a Ksh 500,000 annual registration fee.

Pre-Departure Training: Workers are required to undergo enhanced training programs to prepare for cultural and professional demands abroad. These programs have been restructured to be shorter but more effective.

The halt provides time for agencies and stakeholders to align with these new requirements.

3. Addressing Exploitation Concerns

Kenya has faced persistent issues of worker exploitation abroad, particularly in Gulf countries. Many Kenyan migrants report cases of mistreatment, withheld salaries, and even physical abuse. To address these challenges:

The government is investigating rogue recruitment agencies suspected of facilitating exploitation.

Financial measures are being introduced to reduce the burden on job seekers, including partnerships with banks to provide loans to agencies.

The temporary pause will allow the Ministry of Labour to ensure all agencies comply with these safeguards before resuming recruitment.

4. Briefing Parliament on Progress

Labour CS Alfred Mutua stated that the temporary suspension would also allow the government to update the National Assembly on the recruitment exercise. This briefing is expected to provide clarity on the reforms, address concerns raised by lawmakers, and ensure bipartisan support for future overseas job initiatives.

5. Enhancing Worker Preparedness

To better prepare workers for overseas jobs, especially in Gulf nations:

Training costs have been capped at Ksh 14,000 to improve affordability.

The government is developing cultural preparation programs, including model homes in Mombasa and Nairobi to simulate conditions in Arabic households.

These efforts are aimed at reducing the adjustment difficulties faced by Kenyan workers abroad.

Looking Forward

The suspension is set to last until mid-December 2024, with a resumption expected shortly after. The government aims to deploy up to 10,000 Kenyans abroad weekly, with a long-term goal of having one million Kenyans employed internationally each year. These opportunities, particularly in construction, healthcare, engineering, and domestic work, are seen as a way to tackle unemployment and boost foreign remittances.

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Conclusion

The temporary halt in nationwide recruitment for overseas jobs reflects the government’s commitment to improving the labor migration process. By addressing logistical issues, enforcing new regulations, and enhancing worker safety and preparedness, Kenya aims to create a system that benefits both job seekers and the country’s economy. While the pause has caused some frustration among eager job seekers, it is expected to result in a more efficient and protective framework for labor migration moving forward.