Germany and Kenya Sign Controlled Worker Migration Agreement

Germany and Kenya have struck a landmark controlled migration agreement aimed at addressing labour shortages in Germany and creating job opportunities for Kenyan workers. The agreement, signed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kenyan President William Ruto, will allow skilled and semi-skilled workers from Kenya to live and work in Germany, while also facilitating the repatriation of Kenyans without legal residency in the European country.

While the exact number of Kenyan workers to be admitted has not been disclosed, earlier estimates suggested up to 250,000 employment opportunities could be created for Kenyans. The deal comes at a crucial time for Germany, which is grappling with an ageing workforce and a need for around 400,000 skilled immigrants per year. The agreement provides opportunities for Kenyans in various sectors, including IT specialists, healthcare, and transportation, with Kenyan bus drivers already arriving in Germany as part of a pilot project.

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German authorities have agreed to ease immigration laws, allowing Kenyan workers to obtain long-term visas for study and vocational training, with potential extensions of residence permits based on employment opportunities. The deal will also allow Kenyans to work in Germany even if they do not possess formal qualifications in some fields, such as IT.

The migration agreement also addresses concerns about illegal migration by streamlining the repatriation of Kenyans living in Germany without the right to stay. New measures include using biometric data and accepting expired passports for repatriation purposes. Approximately 800 Kenyans currently living in Germany are required to leave under the terms of this agreement.

Kenyan officials see this as a “win-win” partnership, where Kenya can leverage its youthful population and Germany can address its labour shortages. President Ruto emphasised that the deal harnesses Kenya’s human capital, while German Chancellor Scholz highlighted the necessity of skilled labour for the country’s economic prosperity.

While the agreement promises significant benefits for both nations, concerns have been raised in Kenya about the potential brain drain of professionals such as doctors and nurses leaving the country to work abroad. However, Kenyan officials have pointed out that the agreement responds to global labour market demands, providing much-needed employment for Kenya’s growing workforce.

As the implementation of the deal begins, both countries are expected to work closely to ensure fair labour practices, prevent exploitation, and support the rights of Kenyan migrant workers in Germany.