Kenya - Apply for a Refugee Permit

ProcedureEdit

This permit is issued to a person who has been granted refugee status in Kenya in accordance with the refugee law of Kenya and any spouse of such a refugee who intends to take up employment or engage in a specific occupation, trade, business or profession. The permit is Known as Class M: Refugees

Apply OnlineEdit

The first step is to register with the Kenya electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal through the following link eFNS Online Platform.
Click on create account then click on the Create an Account to register.
You will need to fill in your personal information so to register for an eFNS account For Kenyan citizens, you will need your national ID number while foreigners residing in Kenya will need your foreigner certificate. If you do not have national ID or foreigner certificate, select other and use passport details to register.
Once you have registered you will then need to login to your eFNS account and under the Submit application tab click on Submit new applications.
This will direct you to the next page where you should make your next selection. Under the Permit and Passes Service Section, click on the Apply Now link in the Permit Issuance/ Renewal Tab.
This will direct you to next page; here you should read the instructions carefully; and click on the Learn More button under the Class M: Refugees (KEP/M) Tab
This will direct you to next page; where you are to read the instructions carefully, make sure you have all the requirements to make the application and then click on the Apply Now button which will direct you to the online application form.
Fill in the online application form with all the required details and upload supporting documents. These details include:-

(i). Application type (new application or renewal)

(ii). Full names

(iii). Marital status

(iv). Gender

(v). Passport ( number, date of issue, expiry date )

(vi). Date and place of birth

(vii). Nationality (at birth, present)

(viii). Country of residence

(ix). Contact information ( phone number, postal address, physical address )

(x). Current immigration status

(xi). Upload Passport photo.

(xii). Gratis status (All citizens of the East Africa Community (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi) can attach their valid passport as evidence.)

Then click on save
This will lead you to the next page where you are supposed to:-

(a). Give details of every dependant you have

(b). List permits that you have previously held

(c). List previous applications which have been declined

After Filling the required details accordingly, click proceed button at the bottom left of this page for the next step.
This will lead you to the next page (PART II of Form 25) which is to be completed in respect to the employment to be undertaken. The information include:-
(i). Name of Employer

(ii). Postal Address

(iii). State profession/Business

(iv). Place of Employment

(v). Job Title

(vi). Job description

(vii). Name of Employer

(viii). Postal Address

(ix). State profession/Business

(x). Place of Employment

(xi). Job Title

(xii). Job description

(xiii). State steps you are going to take during validity of the permit to engage a Kenya trainee

(xiv). If this application is approved will the proposed employee be instrumental in training Kenya Citizen
(xv). Attach (Upload)
- Report on Employment
Make sure you fill all the required details in this form then click Save & proceed Button.
This will direct you to the next page where you are supposed to give details regarding

(a). Academic Qualifications(Give full details and attach certificates and testimonials)

(b). Technical qualifications

(c). Previous Work Experience (Attach Evidence)

(d). What steps have you taken to confirm that the skills/qualifications sought are not available locally (Give full details and evidence)

(e). If you have a Kenyan citizen you are training for this post, indicate the following(Attach employment contract)

Make sure you fill all the required details in this form then click Proceed to complete registration.
You will be directed to the next page where you can print your application form and present it to the Immigration Headquarters Offices in Nyayo House Nairobi or their regional offices for processing.

Make sure you present all the required documents to the immigration offices.
You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application.
Upon approval of your application you will receive notification on how to collect your permit through your eFNS account.
This application is issued free of charge.

Required DocumentsEdit

Duly filled and signed Form 25 online form.
Two copies of detailed and signed cover letter from the employer / organization, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services
Copy of a valid national passport
Two(2) recent passport size colored photos (for both new and renewal)
Current Immigration status if in the country
Recognition letters from UNHCR and Department of Refugee Affairs.
Recommendation letter from the Department of Refugee Affairs

NB:

Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized /recognized institution

Office Locations & ContactsEdit

Department of Immigration Services - Head Office
Nyayo house
Passport Section Ground Floor,
Kenyatta Avenue/ Uhuru Highway
P.O. Box 30191, 00100 Nairobi.
Tel: +254-20-2222022, +254-20-2217544,+254-20-2218833
Email: [email protected]
Website:Ministy of Immigration Contacts

electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS): Link

EligibilityEdit

The applicant should have been granted refugee status in Kenya in accordance with the refugee law of Kenya and any spouse of such a refugee who intends to take up employment or engage in a specific occupation, trade, business or profession.

FeesEdit

Processing fee is free of charge
Issuance fee is free of charge
Applications for renewal of permits should be done three months prior to expiry date.

ValidityEdit

The validity period one year.

Documents to UseEdit

Applications are done online though the Kenya electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal

Sample DocumentsEdit

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing TimeEdit

The processing time is 14 days

InstructionsEdit

Register with the Kenya electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal through the following link eFNS Online Platform.
Login to your eFNS account and under the Submit application tab click on Submit new applications.
Under the Permit and Passes Service Section, click on the Apply Now link in the Permit Issuance/Renewal tab.
This will direct you to next page; here you should read the instructions carefully; and click on the Learn more button under the Class M : Refugee Permit (KEP/M)Tab
Read the instructions carefully; make sure you have all the requirements to make the application and then click on the Apply Now button which will direct you to the online application form.
Fill in the online application form with all the required details and upload supporting documents, then click on save.
After completing the application form make payment for your application through an invoice which will be generated online. You can see this by clicking on "Dashboard" then on the "Payments" Tab.
If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your invoice by clicking on "Dashboard" then "Payments" Tab. Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House or other regional offices, Nairobi for payments and processing.
You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application.

Required InformationEdit

Application type (new application or renewal)
Full names
Marital status
Gender
Passport ( number, date of issue, expiry date )
Date and place of birth
Nationality (at birth, present)
Country of residence
Contact information ( phone number, postal address, physical address )
Current immigration status
Gratis status

Need for the DocumentEdit

This permit is allows a refugee who has been granted refugee status in Kenya in accordance with the refugee law of Kenya and any spouse of such a refugee to take up employment or engage in a specific occupation, trade, business or profession.

Information which might helpEdit

It is an offence for a person to knowingly mislead an Immigration Officer ( section 53 (1)(a) of Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, (2011)
Incomplete applications shall not be accepted.
Additional documents may be requested in addition to the listed.
Where the holder of a work permit ceases to engage in the employment in respect of which the work permit was issued, the employer specified in the work permit shall, within fifteen days from the date of such cessation, report, in writing to the director that the holder has ceased to engage in such employment. Any employer who contravenes this regulation commits an offence.

External LinksEdit

Checklist of requirements

OthersEdit

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Engaging in any form of business or employment without a requisite permit or pass is an offence.
The applicant must be present in person when the application is presented at the immigration headquarters or regional offices for registration.
Giving false or misleading information is an offence punishable by law
Any person who contravenes any provision or requirement of an order issued to a foreign national commits an offence and is liable to a fine, imprisonment or both