NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya and Germany have recently unveiled a labor mobility agreement, but the announcement has caused confusion due to conflicting reports about the number of Kenyans who will benefit.
While an international media outlet claimed Kenya had secured 250,000 job opportunities, the German government swiftly denied this, clarifying that no specific numbers were included in the deal.
Despite the back-and-forth, the agreement offers exciting opportunities, especially for students and skilled workers. Let’s break down what the agreement entails and what it means for Kenyans eyeing opportunities in Germany.
Germany’s interior ministry wasted no time in addressing the job number rumor. “This information is false. The agreement between Germany and Kenya does not include any numbers or quotas of skilled workers who will have the opportunity to work in Germany,” the ministry said in a statement.
However, that doesn’t mean the deal isn’t valuable for Kenyans, particularly for those in search of vocational training, student placements, or apprenticeships.
The agreement’s primary focus is on the mobility of skilled workers and students. It covers a range of areas, including labor market needs, apprenticeships, and student training, all while aiming to strengthen collaboration on skills development.
One of the standout provisions is Germany’s commitment to speeding up the visa process for Kenyans pursuing education or vocational training in the country.
According to the agreement, after their studies, Kenyans will have the chance to seek temporary residence permits that can last up to two years.
This temporary status may even be extended if there’s still work to be done toward their qualifications. Plus, if they land a job offer in their field, Kenyans can look forward to staying longer with the possibility of obtaining a permanent settlement permit under Germany’s Residence Act.
Beyond job opportunities, both nations have committed to deeper collaboration on educational and training opportunities.
Germany will alert Kenya about available scholarships and internships, providing Kenyans with resources to advance their education and gain practical experience.
Additionally, the deal includes provisions to tackle critical issues like forced labor, human trafficking, and the safe return of nationals who no longer meet the entry requirements for either country.
Germany has agreed to facilitate the safe and timely return of Kenyans who may need to return home, ensuring their rights and welfare are protected.
In line with family reunification policies, the agreement highlights expanding access to language courses for Kenyans, including courses tailored for family members of skilled workers.
This move aims to help families transition more smoothly and integrate better into the German system.
The agreement also establishes a Joint Implementation Committee. This body will keep the labor mobility framework fresh by monitoring labor market conditions and entry requirements.
The committee will explore ways to streamline immigration procedures and ensure workers are equipped with the necessary information before making their move to Germany.
In a joint statement, Kenya and Germany described the deal as a “win-win” solution. Germany benefits from addressing its workforce gaps caused by the retirement of the baby boomer generation, while Kenya’s talented young professionals gain access to decent remote jobs.
