The government has introduced amendments to Kenyan Citizenship and Immigration Act.
This will bring changes to various permit classes and create more opportunities for foreign nationals to work and live in Kenya.
This major change was introduced by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024, announced by Prime Cabinet Secreatary (CS) and Acting Interior CS Musalia Mudavadi on Tuesday 18th December.
Photo: Courtesy
Acknowledging the UN staff are highly paid, their stay in the country is of benefit considering the money they use to pay rent for residences, school fees for children. Many of them keep a car and at least a driver and domestic staff. The stay of such persons is also in line with Kenya’s goal of Nairobi being a UN and Multilateral hub.
Mudavadi said in a statement.
Those eligible for the new Permit (P) will pay a lower fee but to be charged in the United States of America dollars. These workers are usually paid in foreign currency, and it is an opportunity for the government to earn foreign currency from them.
The CS added.
The amendment also revised the financial requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa (Class N) reducing the minimum annual income for applicants from USD 55,000 and USD 24,000.
The amendment introduced class Q designed for professionals working with religious or charitable organizations. To ease financial burden on missionaries, annual fees has been lowered from Ksh. 50,000 to Ksh. 20,000.
In a bold step to position Nairobi as Africa’s multilateral hub, the government has introduced new work permits under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024, announced via gazette notice on Monday.
The proposed amendments aim to modernize and… pic.twitter.com/6gIHwRXYy8
— Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) December 17, 2024
Class R was also introduced as another significant development that brings all significant nationals under one roof, eliminating unnecessary fees and processes.
Mudavadi further stated that the move strengthens regional ties and simplifies work opportunities for our neighbors.
