New tough immigration rule

By MWANIKI MUNUHE

Nairobi; KENYA: The Government will not issue immigration documents to applicants who use agents not accredited by the Department of Immigrations, Director of Immigrations Services Jane Waikenda has said.

“We are soon going to send out a requirement that each company must now decide who their agents are going to be and accredit henceforth. We do not want to deal with brokers. We realised some people have been taking money under the pretext that they can process documents in a much lesser period. You don’t have to use anybody, just walk to the office and present your applications and that’s all,” she said.

Similarly, action will be taken against those who attempt to make such applications on behalf of others without proper authorisation.

The move, Waikenda said, is meant to deal with rogue brokers who have been asking for money under the pretext that they can help applicants access various immigration documents.

In the last few years, the department of Immigrations has been put on the spot over massive corruption in issuance of documents, especially to foreigners.

“This country is not for sale, our national interest is paramount. Immigration is a security issue. In line with the Jubilee manifesto, we are committed to fight corruption in public service. I am aware this position is not very popular with many people who were used to short cuts especially at Immigrations to make money,” she said.

The department, Waikenda added, has almost cleared the backlog of work permits and that effective mechanism of issuing work permits are in now place. Meanwhile the director confirmed she has given billionaire Aliko Dangote a five-year visa following President Uhuru’s directive that the Nigerian investors be issued with five-ten year visas.