NAIROBI, Kenya – The Department of Refugee Services (DRS) has issued a directive requiring all refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya to surrender passports from their countries of origin within 30 days.
The move comes in response to growing concerns that some refugees have been using these passports to travel outside the country, in violation of international and local refugee laws.
Commissioner for Refugee Affairs, John Burugu, highlighted that Kenya’s action aligns with the 1951 United Nations Convention on the Status of Refugees, its 1967 Protocol, and the Refugees Act No. 10 of 2021, all of which govern the travel regulations for refugees.
“Refugees are entitled to travel documents, including Machine Readable Conventional Travel Documents (CTDs), for travel outside Kenya—except to their country of origin,” Commissioner Burugu explained. “The use of origin-country passports undermines these frameworks.”
Citing the recent misuse of such passports, Commissioner Burugu declared a moratorium on their possession.
He warned that any refugee or asylum seeker who fails to comply within the 30-day window risks facing legal consequences, including the potential cancellation of refugee status and expulsion from Kenya under Section 17 of the Refugees Act.
“Failure to comply with this directive may result in severe legal implications, including the loss of refugee status and possible expulsion,” the Commissioner stated.
The directive underscores the government’s commitment to upholding international refugee protocols, while also addressing loopholes that may compromise the integrity of Kenya’s refugee management system.
The DRS urged all affected individuals to surrender their passports promptly to safeguard their legal standing and rights within the country.
Commissioner Burugu emphasized that the well-being and safety of refugees in Kenya remain a top priority for the department.
“We appreciate the cooperation of all refugees and asylum seekers as we work to ensure their protection under Kenyan and international law,” he added.
The move comes in response to growing concerns that some refugees have been using these passports to travel outside the country, in violation of international and local refugee laws.
Commissioner for Refugee Affairs, John Burugu, highlighted that Kenya’s action aligns with the 1951 United Nations Convention on the Status of Refugees, its 1967 Protocol, and the Refugees Act No. 10 of 2021, all of which govern the travel regulations for refugees.
“Refugees are entitled to travel documents, including Machine Readable Conventional Travel Documents (CTDs), for travel outside Kenya—except to their country of origin,” Commissioner Burugu explained. “The use of origin-country passports undermines these frameworks.”
Citing the recent misuse of such passports, Commissioner Burugu declared a moratorium on their possession.
He warned that any refugee or asylum seeker who fails to comply within the 30-day window risks facing legal consequences, including the potential cancellation of refugee status and expulsion from Kenya under Section 17 of the Refugees Act.
“Failure to comply with this directive may result in severe legal implications, including the loss of refugee status and possible expulsion,” the Commissioner stated.
The directive underscores the government’s commitment to upholding international refugee protocols, while also addressing loopholes that may compromise the integrity of Kenya’s refugee management system.
The DRS urged all affected individuals to surrender their passports promptly to safeguard their legal standing and rights within the country.
Commissioner Burugu emphasized that the well-being and safety of refugees in Kenya remain a top priority for the department.
“We appreciate the cooperation of all refugees and asylum seekers as we work to ensure their protection under Kenyan and international law,” he added.
