Germany has committed to a regulated and targeted labor migration agreement that will allow 250,000 qualified and semi-skilled Kenyan workers entry.
Germany is experiencing a scarcity of skilled labor, while Kenya is having more and more trouble finding young professionals with jobs and enough money to support them.
As part of an experimental effort, Flensburg, in northern Germany, has already welcomed five bus drivers from Kenya.
The cornerstone of the German government’s efforts to reduce immigration is migration agreements.
Additionally, the accord will make it easier for Kenyans living in Germany without legal permission to return home.
Due to the surge in popularity of the far-right anti-immigration party Alternative for Germany (AfD), immigration is currently a major topic in Germany.
In recent years, a comparatively substantial number of asylum seekers have been allowed to settle in Berlin by successive governments.
During the 2015–2016 migration crisis, Germany took in over a million people, the most of whom were escaping war in places like Syria. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion started in February 2022, Germany has also taken in 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees.
William Ruto, the president of Kenya, and Olaf Scholz, the chancellor of Germany, signed the labor agreement in Berlin.
In order to facilitate Kenyans’ employment in the largest economy in Europe, Germany consented to easing several of its immigration regulations.
Berlin authorities are also contemplating granting temporary residency permits to Kenyan laborers who have been granted employment approval.
Long-term visas will also be granted to Kenyans so they can pursue education or vocational training in Germany.
“On the expiry of the long-stay visa, Kenyans may receive a temporary residence permit for study purposes in Germany for up to two years,” the document adds.
It further states that the temporary residency permit may be renewed if the intended use of the residence has not yet been fulfilled but can be in a “reasonable” amount of time.
As per the agreement, IT professionals from Kenya would be permitted to travel to and work in Germany without the need for a formal authorization.
If skilled people complete their university education or vocational training and their qualifications are accepted by the appropriate authorities of the other party, both governments will promote their immigration.
The European country needs more nurses but critics say it should not deprive Kenya of much-needed medical professionals
The deal also includes provisions for the readmission and return of citizens between the two nations.
It spells out guidelines to prevent and fight against labour exploitation, forced labour and human trafficking.
While welcoming five Kenyan drivers in Flensburg on Thursday, Schleswig-Holstein’s Transport Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen said Germany was in need of hard-working hands and clever minds.
