By Mose Wetangula
I read with regret an article in The Standard (May 25), entitled ‘The Emirates Visa Fiasco Demands Urgent Diplomatic Intervention at Higher level". The article refers to a "raging diplomatic debacle involving Kenya and the United Arab Emirates centred on visa requirements and now work permit restrictions on Kenyans". It alleges many Kenyan expatriates who work overseas are affected and that the recent visit by the Foreign Affairs Minister appears to have done little to unlock the impasse. It is regrettable the article repeats many of the unsupported allegations recently bandied by those with jaundiced view of the workings of my ministry in particular and ignorance about the role of Foreign ministries around the world. The article also displays an astonishing level of dishonesty about what we have been able to achieve so far as a ministry following the unfortunate misunderstanding with the UAE over visas for Kenyans following the deportation of their nationals. And to imply that my ministry was partly to blame for the unfortunate incident is ludicrous and absolute drivel.
To set the record straight, I wish to state as follows:
One, the UAE Government introduced new visa regulations which required Kenyans to submit education (degrees) certificates while applying for UAE visas. This regulation took effect in April, 2010 and adversely affected many Kenyans who regularly travel to Dubai. When the matter came to the attention of my ministry, I immediately briefed President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The President dispatched me to travel to the UAE as his special envoy to help resolve the matter.
Two, on April 25, 2010, l travelled to the UAE in the company of the Minister for Labour John Munyes, MP and Vice Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations, Hassan Joho and the Director of Immigration Albert Musasia. We held discussions and the UAE Government issued a formal written communication confirming the withdrawal of the new regulations for the issuance of visas, including the requirement for visa applicants to submit education certificates.
Three, during the visit, the Government of the UAE raised concern regarding non-Kenyans mostly Somali nationals who travel to UAE on fake stolen Kenyan passports and called for bilateral meetings to resolve this problem. A technical team of Senior officials from both sides was formed to discuss any outstanding bilateral issues in detail and make appropriate recommendations that would guide our future cooperation. We are awaiting the visit of the team from the UAE early next month and my ministry has already initiated inter-Ministerial consultations to prepare for the discussions.
Four, it was agreed during my visit that Kenyans currently in employment in the UAE will not be subjected to any new residency requirements upon expiry of the current ones unless they are applying for different jobs that require higher qualifications.
Five, following renewed media reports in the last two days, this ministry through Mohamed Gello, Kenya’s ambassador to the UAE, contacted the Government of the UAE and we have confirmed that there has been no change to the agreement reached following my visit in April 2010 concerning immigration regulations for Kenyans nationals.
Six, the ministry would also like to clarify that every country has its own regulations limiting the issuance of work permits to those with critical skills that are required but missing in the county. Securing an offer of employment does not guarantee the grant of a work permit.
Seven, no complaints regarding issuance of visas or renewal of work permits have been made to either the Kenya Embassy in Abu Dhabi or ministry headquarters. As far as the Ministry is concerned, no Kenyan legally living and working in the UAE has been denied renewal of a work permit.
The writer is Minister for Foreign Affairs
