Tag Archive for: kenya

Andrew Stegmann
,

Kenyan DIS Update: Special Passes

Lynn Mackenzie, J.D., LLM

Courtesy of IKM Advocates

Please see the directive from the Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS) on special passes:-

Directive The DIS has reviewed the eligibility requirements for special passes and shall going forward require all Special Pass applications to be accompanied by a contract of employment or an engagement letter.

 

Applicants are required to comply irrespective of the proposed duration of stay in the country.

 

The contract of employment or letter of engagement can be for a fixed term ( 1 – 6  months) or open ended depending on the duration of the assignment in Kenya.

 
Effective date 1 December 2020

 
Impact on business High

 

Applications will not be processed without a copy of a signed contract of employment or letter of engagement

 

Should you require any further information and or assistance please do not hesitate to contact us at immigration@relocationafrica.com.

 

The content of this document is provided for general information purposes. The provision of this document does not constitute legal advice or opinion of any kind; no advisory or fiduciary relationship is created between Relocation Africa and any other person accessing or using this document. Relocation Africa will not be liable for any damages or loss arising from using any part of this document.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann
,

Pre-Travel e-Visa Requirement for Kenya

Lynn Mackenzie, J.D., LLM

Courtesy of IKM Advocates

Please see the directive from the Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS) on the pre-travel visa requirement:-

Directive The DIS is in the process of fully automating the issuance of e-visas.

 

In accordance with the attached directive, any person from a country that require visas to enter Kenya shall be required to apply for and obtain e-visa before traveling. The list of countries whose nationals are eligible to obtain an e-visa can be accessed through http://evisa.go.ke/eligibility.html.

 

The e-visa can be obtained through www.evisa@go.ke.

 
Effective date 1 January 2021

 
Impact on business/residence High

 

  • Travelers will not be allowed to travel to Kenya without an E-Visa

 

  • Applications for visas shall only be done on the online platform

 

  • This services applies to all types of visas, that is :-

a.      single tourist visa;

b.     single entry business visa;

c.      referral visas (RSEV);

d.     transit visas;

e.      courtesy entry visas;

f.       East African tourist visas; and

g.     multiple journey business visas

 

  • Piloting of fast-tracked visas is currently ongoing – we shall update you once this service is launched

 

  • The processing timelines and official fees payable will vary depending on the type of visa

 

  • Delays in the processing of applications should be expected due to system downtime in the initial phase

 

  • Increased lead time – we recommend that applications for e-Visas should be made at least 7 – 14 working days before travel

 

  • Once issued, the  e-Visas should be printed in color and presented at the port of entry on arrival

 

Should you require any further information and or assistance please do not hesitate to contact us at immigration@relocationafrica.com.

 

The content of this article is provided for general information purposes. The provision of this article does not constitute legal advice or opinion of any kind; no advisory or fiduciary relationship is created between Relocation Africa and any other person accessing or using this article. Relocation Africa will not be liable for any damages or loss arising from using any part oft his article.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann
,

Kenyan Immigration Update: Introduction of Document Upload Platform and Digitization of Foreigner Registration Appointment Scheduling

The Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS) has issued the following updates.

1.    Document Upload Platform

 

Directive Pursuant to the attached notice, the DIS is currently piloting an online document uploading platform in the eFNS portal to replace the hardcopy deposit of documents.

 

The digitization process shall also include payments processing and receipting.
Effective Date
  • Pilot ongoing

 

  • Formal launch to be communicated in due course

 
Impact on business High

 
Expectations
  1. The historical issue of missing files and documents will be eliminated

 

  1. In the transition phase, delays in the processing of applications should be expected due to system downtime

 

  1. The application processing time may increase by 3-5 days due to the initial document verification process and allocation of the applications internally (DIS)

2.    Digitization of Foreigner Registration Appointment Scheduling

Directive The scheduling of foreigner registration appointments has been digitized. Applicants are required to book their appointments through the eFNS portal (https://fns.immigration.go.ke/dash/appointments.php) with availability being given on a first come first served basis.

 

While the DIS had previously directed that passport endorsement and foreigner registration should be done at the same time, this will no longer be possible due to the drawn-out appointment dates. Accordingly, passport endorsement shall done as soon as a permit or pass is issued while foreigner registration will be completed at a later stage
Effective Date 28 September 2020
Impact on business Low

 
Expectations Increased efficiency in the foreigner application process

 

Should you require any further information and or assistance please do not hesitate to contact us at immigration@relocationafrica.com.

The content of this article is provided for general information purposes. The provision of this article does not constitute legal advice or opinion of any kind; no advisory or fiduciary relationship is created between Relocation Africa and any other person accessing or using this article. Relocation Africa will not be liable for any damages or loss arising from using any part of this article.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann
,

Directorate of Immigration Services in Kenya: Change of Stay in Country Regulations

By Lynn Mackenzie, J.D., LLM
Courtesy of IKM Advocates

Considering the eased COVID-19 related restrictions and resumption of international travel, the Directorate of Immigration (Kenya) has lifted an earlier amnesty on stay in the country beyond the stipulated six months. Visitors are hereby given two weeks, beginning September 14th, 2020 to either;

a) Make arrangement to depart within two weeks (14 days) or
b) Apply for residency (permit or pass) to regularize their stay.

Please note: Those who fail to satisfy the above requirements will be deemed unlawfully present, as per Section 53 (1) j of the Kenya Citizenship & Immigration Act.

Should you require any further information and or assistance please do not hesitate to contact us at immigration@relocationafrica.com.

The content of this article is provided for general information purposes. The provision of this article does not constitute legal advice or opinion of any kind; no advisory or fiduciary relationship is created between Relocation Africa and any other person accessing or using this article. Relocation Africa will not be liable for any damages or loss arising from using any part of this article.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].