Dubai lifts visa ban but wary of fake Kenyan passports

BY JAMES RATEMO

Kenyans working and doing business in Dubai can from today renew their work permits or acquire visa without worrying about their level of education.

United Arab Emirates has finally lifted the visa ban on Kenyans without university degrees after the government successfully petitioned the Gulf state.

The move comes after weeks of intensive negotiations, which saw Foreign Affairs Minister, Moses Wetangula, visit UAE to plead the Kenyan case.

However, the Gulf state has raised the red flag over many illegal immigrants flocking Dubai with fake Kenyan passports.

Wetangula said Kenya is watchful for illegal immigrants possessing fake passports.

"The onerous visa conditions for Kenyans was partly caused by rising cases of people who fly direct from Mogadishu to UAE with Kenyan passports which look evidently false," revealed Wetangula.

"Immigration and security officials are meeting UAE counterparts to solve the issue of illegal immigrants carrying fake Kenyan passports," said Wetangula.

The tough visa condition had threatened careers and lifeline of over 37,000 Kenyans living and working in Dubai, most of who do not possess university degrees.

Most Kenyans work in the hospitality and construction industry.

Other Kenyans visit Dubai frequently to buy goods for sale in east Africa and the new visa rules had already started impacting their business.

Wetangula negotiated for the change of rules before and then proceeded to China to join President Mwai Kibaki in the Shanghai World Expo.

"We had very fruitful discussions and the new requirement is now waived. The requirement was a bit over stretched. To do business you need money not a degree," said Wetangula as he lauded UAE for the action.

"I had met representatives of Kenyans who work and live in UAE and they were anxious about renewing their work permits following the new visa rules. We are now working on how to strengthen our relationship with UAE," said Wetangula.

The visa row arose after members of the Gulf state's ruling family were deported from Kenya on arrival at Moi International Airport, Mombasa.

The four tourists did not posses relevant papers and anti-terror police officers held and later deported them.

The United Arab Emirates responded by tightening visa requirements, saying only Kenyans with degree certificates would be allowed into the country.