Kenya Work Visa For Indians: Eligibility & Application 2023

India and Kenya have become closer friends in business, culture, and schools. Because of this, more Indians are going to Kenya for jobs. 

If you're considering doing the same, having the right work permits are important. Hence, your time in Kenya is easy and stress-free.

Kenya Work Permit Requirements

Applying for a Kenya work visa involves submitting several essential documents to the Kenyan immigration authorities. Here's a list of typical documents required:

Valid Passport: The applicant’s passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of your visa application.

Duly Filled Application Form: An official Kenya visa application form provided by the Kenyan immigration department, filled out with accurate details.

Passport-sized Photographs: Recent colour photographs meet the specified Kenya visa photo size of 2x2 inches.

Job Offer or Contract: A written document from your prospective Kenyan employer indicating that you've been offered a position. This should include details of the job, duration of employment, and other relevant terms.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume: Detailing your educational qualifications and professional experience.

Copies of Professional Certificates and Academic Qualifications: These are evidence of your qualifications for the job.

Medical Report: Some applications may require a health certificate or medical report to ensure the applicant has no contagious diseases.

Police Clearance Certificate: This document from your home country (or any country you've lived in for over a year) indicates that you have no criminal record.

Recommendation or Support Letter: Sometimes, a letter from a Kenyan sponsor, employer, or even a government ministry might be required, vouching for the applicant's credentials and the purpose of the visit.

Return or Onward Ticket: This is optional but can be asked to ensure the applicant plans to leave Kenya after employment.

Registration certificate: A copy of the registration certificate of the organisation.

Sufficient capital: Proof you can support yourself during your trip by showing bank statements or payslips.

How To Apply For The Kenya Work Visa?

It is quite easy to make a Kenya visa application for work. Follow this step-by-step guide to navigate the Kenyan work visa application process smoothly:

1

Pick the Right Work Permit Type: Depending on the job type and how long you'll work, Kenya has various work permits. Check them out and see which one fits your job best.

2

Collect All Your Papers: Get all the documents you need before applying. Usually, this means a current passport, your job offer letter, any professional certificates, some passport photos, and a few more. Make sure your papers are up-to-date and meet the Kenyan immigration standards.

3

Fill Out the Visa Form: You can find the work visa form on Kenya's official immigration site. When filling it out, double-check all the details to make sure they match your papers.

4

Pay the Fee: Once the form is filled, there's a fee you need to pay. The exact amount might change based on the work permit type. You can pay for this online.

5

Send in Your Application: You can usually send your visa application online using Kenya's immigration site. 

6

Patiently Wait: The Kenyan officials will review everything after you apply. This might take a few weeks. They might call you for a chat or ask for some more papers during this time.

7

Get Your Visa: They'll usually email you when they approve your application. 

8

Sign Up with Foreign Nationals' Services: Once you reach Kenya and start your work, sign up at the FNS in Nairobi. This step makes sure Kenya knows you're there and working.

Arrival Procedure At The Airport In Kenya

Here's a step-by-step guide on what Indian citizens can anticipate when arriving at a Kenyan airport with a work visa:

1

Arrival and Queue: Following the signs for 'International Arrivals' once you disembark from the plane. There will be separate queues for Kenyan citizens, East African Community (EAC) passport holders, and foreign nationals. Ensure you join the queue designated for foreign nationals.

2

Passport Control: When it's your turn, approach the immigration officer with your passport and work visa documentation. Keep your boarding pass handy, as it may be checked.

3

Questions and Verification: The immigration officer might ask you questions such as your purpose of visit (in this case, employment) and your employer's details.

4

Biometrics Collection: Some airports may have biometric systems in place where they'll capture your fingerprints and a photograph. This is standard procedure for security and identification purposes.

5

Work Visa Stamp: If everything is in order and the officer is satisfied with your answers and documentation, they will stamp your passport with an entry stamp indicating your arrival date. Sometimes, the work visa might have been issued electronically, and they will verify it in their system.

All Done!

Getting a Kenya work visa for Indians might feel overwhelming at first. But with the right info, it's easier. As more Indians work in Kenya, it's essential to have clear guidance. 

This guide is here to help, explaining each visa step. Always double-check with official sites for any updates. Good luck with your job journey in Kenya!

Government Sources

This blog was written using information from official government sources. We checked all facts with trusted guidelines. You can trust the details in this post. And this blog is written with the help of AI to explain difficult concepts easily.

Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government Kenya