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Matiang’i intensifies crackdown on illegal immigrants as more than 20 are arrested


More than 20 illegal immigrants were over the weekend arrested as Kenyan authorities intensified the crackdown on foreigners residing in Kenya without proper papers.

The swoop came a day after the Government announced that foreign workers without proper work permits should leave the country or risk arrest.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on Friday ordered the immediate deportation of foreigners who do not have proper work permits following the lapse of a two months grace period.

Among those arrested are six Egyptians who were found in a rented house in Makongeni, Thika after residents became suspicious and informed the police.

Most of those arrested are being detained at various police facilities in the city ahead of planned deportation.

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Police were Friday ordered to join in the crackdown on the illegal immigrants and ensure they are processed and deported.

Matiang’i, said all those who failed the vetting test will be flashed out in an exercise that will continue for the next three months.

On Friday the CS said that 60 senior hotel managers have already been deported after it emerged that they had come into the country as tourists.

28 immigration staff found guilty of irregular issuance of passports to foreigners were also been fired in the government’s fresh efforts to seal immigration loopholes.

Some of those so far deported were engaging in jobs that can be done by Kenyans and the CS said that he had suspended application of foreigners work permits on arrival in Kenya.

WORK PERMITS

“If you have a job, or you have applied for a job to come to Kenya and work in a regional branch of an international company, you apply for a work permit from where you are,” said Matiang’i.

Only those whose applications for foreign workers permits have been processed will be allowed to come into the country for work.

Matiang’i has also issued a directive ordering foreigners working in the country without official work permits to get documentation or be arrested at the lapse of 60 days, saying the move will help the government get rid of tax evaders and criminals.

The CS noted that some of the foreigners come to Kenya and befriend Kenyan women with an intention of getting documents to stay in the country.

Last week, 19 Nigerians were arrested and later deported for engaging in electronic fraud.

The suspects were arrested in Umoja, Kasarani and Roysambu Estates within Nairobi for engaging in electronic fraud targeting Kenyans.