Approximately 5,000 Kenyans are stranded in Qatar after being misled by fraudulent recruitment agencies during the World Cup. Kenya’s Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua highlights issues of financial exploitation, and the government is implementing reforms to combat corruption and secure future employment for skilled workers in Qatar.
Kenya’s Labour Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua, has disclosed that around 5,000 Kenyan nationals are presently stranded in Qatar, devoid of employment and financial means. During a recent broadcast on Citizen TV, Mr. Mutua attributed this predicament to deceitful recruitment firms that lured Kenyans with misleading claims of lucrative job opportunities abroad. Many of these individuals traveled to Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Doha and subsequently failed to return home following the conclusion of the event. According to Mr. Mutua, these stranded citizens now rely on daily aid from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to meet their basic needs. The recruitment process generally imposed significant financial burdens on job seekers, as agencies demanded between 200,000 and 250,000 Kenyan shillings for short-term employment contracts lasting only three months. Due to these recruitment fees, many Kenyans face challenges in returning home. Having invested considerable amounts to secure these positions, numerous individuals opted to remain in Qatar, hoping to locate alternative employment. This situation is particularly dire for those who liquidated their assets or accrued significant debts to afford these fees, with many having sold land, livestock, or borrowed funds in pursuit of these prospects. Mr. Mutua, who previously held a position in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, has pinpointed corruption as the underlying cause of this crisis. Since assuming his current role, he has made it a priority to confront this issue by instituting reforms aimed at preventing exploitation by unscrupulous agencies. His ministry has underscored that job interviews must be conducted free of charge, with applicants bearing only costs related to legitimate procedures, such as medical examinations and administrative expenses. In response to these predicaments, the Kenyan government has initiated reforms in the recruitment framework. The updated system eliminates unauthorized agents and prohibits the collection of advance fees. Furthermore, the government has secured a commitment from a Qatari enterprise to deliver 8,000 job openings across various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, and construction, with an immediate goal of filling 3,000 positions. The long-range vision of the government entails expanding employment avenues in Qatar to accommodate 200,000 Kenyan professionals over the forthcoming years. This initiative specifically emphasizes skilled labor in sectors such as nursing, engineering, and information technology, representing a strategic shift from the previous focus on low-wage, unskilled labor migration to the Middle East. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Kenyan citizens and ensuring accountability for those who have endured exploitation. The success of these measures necessitates effective collaboration among government agencies, the public, and the individuals affected.
The article addresses the plight of approximately 5,000 Kenyan nationals stranded in Qatar, who are facing significant challenges due to the actions of fraudulent recruitment agencies. Many of these individuals came to Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup with assurances of employment that failed to materialize. The situation highlights issues related to corruption in the recruitment process, financial exploitation of job seekers, and the subsequent responsibility of the Kenyan government to secure their welfare and future employment opportunities.
In summary, the plight of stranded Kenyans in Qatar underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of recruitment practices and greater protection for Kenyan citizens seeking employment abroad. The government’s reforms aim to eliminate corruption and improve job prospects, particularly focusing on skilled labor. Continued collaboration between government entities and affected citizens is essential to foster accountability and ensure that the rights and interests of Kenyans are upheld in foreign labor markets.
Original Source: www.mwakilishi.com
