Republic of Kenya
Ministry of Foreign
Affairs
Suspension of Recruitment
and Export of Domestic Workers to Middle East Countries
The Government has
noted with concern, the increasing number of Kenyan citizens who have sought
employment in the Middle East as domestic workers (Housekeepers/maids) and
ended up in distress.
In some cases, the
Kenyans are lured by unscrupulous and unregistered agents who promise
non–existent and supposedly lucrative jobs to desperate and unsuspecting
Kenyans.
The Government wishes to reiterate its commitment to the protection and welfare of all its citizens, including those outside the country.
The Government is therefore working on a mechanism, including but not limited to, vetting of all recruitment agents afresh and signing of Labour framework Agreements with various countries, to address some of the concerns raised by the distressed Kenyans in the Middle East.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the Government has temporarily suspended recruitment and export of domestic workers (Housekeepers/maids) to Middle East Countries with immediate effect.
AMB. P.S. Wamoto, EBS
Political and Diplomatic Secretary
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs
6th July, 2012