Kenya and Canada resolve immigration mix-up

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua and Canada Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly when they addressed a joint press conference in Nairobi. [Edwin Nyarangi, Standard]

Kenya and Canada have clarified on conflicting reports circulating online regarding special programs being offered to Kenyan immigrants.

In a joint communique issued on Thursday, May 18, Kenya's Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua and Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship, Sean Fraser said they had reached a consensus after holding bilateral talks this week.

"Canada values its close ties to Kenya and recognises the tremendous economic, cultural and social benefits that Kenyans bring when they choose to immigrate to Canada," the statement read in part.

The two ministers said they had identified existing avenues that foreign nationals may use to get employment opportunities in Canada.

"Canada is proud to be a top destination for global talent and an increasingly popular destination for Kenyan nationals, including international students and workers in the agriculture industry. We are pleased to highlight the existing temporary and permanent pathways, which foreign nationals may use to apply to live, work, visit and study in Canada."

The remarks come days after Mutua said that he had met Fraser and agreed on exploring opportunities for Kenyans to live and work in Canada.

The Canadian Immigration Department would later release a statement warning Kenyans to be wary of false reports that it was offering special programs to immigrants.

"Disinformation is circulating which suggests that special programs are welcoming Kenyan immigrants. This is false, and the immigration programs referenced do not exist," Canada said.