5,000 Kenyans Left Stranded and Jobless in Qatar, Warns Labour CS Alfred Mutua

Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has announced that approximately 5,000 Kenyans are currently stranded in Qatar, facing unemployment and a lack of financial support. In an interview with Citizen TV, Mutua attributed the situation to rogue recruitment agencies that misled job seekers with false promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad.

Many of these Kenyans traveled to Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha, drawn by the allure of high-paying jobs that ultimately did not materialize. After the tournament, these individuals found themselves without work and struggling to make ends meet. “We have 5,000 Kenyans in Qatar, being supported daily by the International Organization for Migration due to these rogue agencies,” Mutua revealed, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The Labour CS detailed how some recruitment agencies charged Kenyans exorbitant fees, sometimes as high as Ksh250,000 (approximately $1,934), which forced many individuals to sell property or incur debts to pay for their job placements. Unfortunately, many of the jobs secured through these agencies were temporary, lasting only about three months, leaving the workers in a precarious position without the means to return home.

Mutua highlighted the pervasive corruption within the recruitment sector as a major contributor to the exploitation of job seekers. He pointed out that agencies were pocketing substantial fees while failing to provide sustainable employment opportunities for their recruits. “Since I took on this role at the Labour Ministry, I have been focused on addressing this corruption and reforming the recruitment process,” he stated.

The CS stressed that job interviews should be conducted at no cost to job seekers, aside from necessary medical tests and minimal administrative fees. His commitment to reform aims to safeguard Kenyan job-seekers from exploitation and ensure that they have access to legitimate employment opportunities abroad.

In response to the alarming situation, Mutua’s ministry is exploring various measures to assist stranded Kenyans. This includes liaising with the International Organization for Migration and other relevant stakeholders to provide immediate support for those affected. He emphasized the need for swift action to address the dire circumstances faced by these individuals, many of whom are vulnerable and in desperate need of assistance.

The plight of the stranded Kenyans has garnered attention not only in Kenya but also internationally, highlighting the risks associated with overseas employment. The government is under increasing pressure to take decisive action to protect its citizens from exploitation by unscrupulous agencies.

In addition to immediate support, Mutua’s long-term strategy includes strengthening regulations within the recruitment industry to ensure greater accountability and transparency. He aims to work closely with relevant authorities to establish a framework that will prevent further exploitation and create safer pathways for Kenyans seeking employment abroad.

The situation in Qatar serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many Kenyans pursuing opportunities overseas. With the promise of better livelihoods often leading to disappointment and hardship, it is crucial for the government to intervene and provide guidance for those considering overseas employment.

As discussions continue regarding the fate of the stranded Kenyans, the Labour Ministry remains committed to protecting its citizens. Through reform efforts and collaboration with international organizations, the government hopes to facilitate a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of those affected.

Ultimately, the story of these 5,000 Kenyans in Qatar underscores the importance of vigilance and due diligence when seeking employment opportunities abroad. As CS Mutua works to address these pressing issues, the hope is to create a safer, more equitable landscape for job seekers in Kenya, enabling them to pursue their dreams without falling victim to exploitation.