Delays in Final Adjudication of Pending Work Permit Applications

Foreign nationals with pending work permit applications in Kenya are likely to experience processing delays of at least two weeks. The Department of Immigration Services’ work permit review committee did not adjudicate cases last week and is unlikely to do so this week. If normal processing resumes, new work permit applicants are unlikely to experience delays, which are principally affecting the last step of the adjudication process. 

Although the cause of the freeze is not known with certainty, it may be due to additional work permit processing procedures that have been introduced by the new Director of Immigration. 

What This Means for Foreign Nationals 

Foreign nationals who urgently need work authorization may be required to apply for short-term work passes, which are being processed without delay. If the Department of Immigration Services work permit committee does not resume immediately, applicants should expect longer delays. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].


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