Employers cry foul over EAC work permits

By Luke Anami

Kenya: Kenyans are still grappling with crippling demands in the process of attaining permits to work in other East African countries.

This is despite the existence of East African Community (EAC) Common Market protocol.

The protocol came into force in July 2010 with the objective of enabling free movement of goods, persons, labour, capital, services and the right of establishment and residence by citizens.

Michael Baingana, Research and Policy Advisor at the East African Employer’s Organisation (EAEO), said it is a pity that three years since the protocol was signed, being issued with a permit to work in another country is becoming difficult by the day.

The process of obtaining work permit remains cumbersome while work permit regimes are different with respect to fees, forms and procedures.

While Kenya and Rwanda mutually do not charge any fees for work or residence permits, Tanzania in a gazette notice increased work permit fee for all those working or seeking employment.

For instance, Kenyans who want to work as artisans in the category of plumbers, technicians, or electricians and those engaged in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in Tanzania are expected to pay Sh170, 000 ($2,000).

Hard hit

Hard hit are those in categories A-1, A-2, and A-3 engaged in prospecting and mining and large scale trade and businesses who will now part with Sh255, 000, ($3,000), the highest amount for a work permit fee.

Others in the same category include members of prescribed professions such as lawyers, accountants, doctors who will pay a similar amount.

A worker employed by a specific employer such as a teacher will be required to pay Sh170, 000 ($2,000) for renewal as well.

Tanzania mainland at $2000 is the region’s most expensive work permit with complicated regulations, which emphasises immigration control measures at the expense of work-related measures.

An East African citizen requires $16.50 (Sh1, 402.50) per year to obtain a work permit in Rwanda — making its work permit fee the lowest in the regional bloc.

However, Burundi charges 3 per cent on gross salary. Uganda’s lowest charges are at $100 (Sh8, 500) for students. Those seeking businesses, trade business or consultancy pay $1, 500 (Sh127, 500) per year.

Kenya charges $16 (Sh5, 100) to process a work permit while the highest work permit fee is for Miners at  $3,000.

Permit classes

A study by East African Business Council (EABC) found that work permit classes in the five EAC states do not distinguish between foreigners and citizens.  EABC Chairman Vimal Shah, said EAC citizens can have a borderless region within one year if they want.

“Every effort must be made to open our borders and remove Non-Tariff Barriers if we are to improve the lives of our people,” he said.