5,000 Kenyans Stranded in Qatar After World Cup Dream Turned Nightmare
Approximately 5,000 Kenyans are stranded in Qatar due to fraudulent recruitment practices linked to false employment promises during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The majority of these individuals now rely on support from the International Organization for Migration for their basic needs. The Kenyan government is implementing reforms in the recruitment process to prevent exploitation and has secured job opportunities for skilled professionals in Qatar, reflecting a shift towards protecting citizens’ interests and promoting accountable practices.
Kenya’s Labour Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua, has disclosed that approximately 5,000 Kenyan nationals are currently stranded in Qatar, facing unemployment and financial hardship. In a recent interview on Citizen TV, he attributed this dire situation to fraudulent recruitment agencies that lured Kenyans with misleading promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad. Many of these individuals had traveled to Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup but did not return after the tournament ended. Mutua noted that these stranded citizens have become reliant on the International Organization for Migration for daily sustenance. The recruitment process had imposed significant financial burdens on job seekers, with agencies charging between 200,000 and 250,000 Kenyan shillings for brief employment contracts lasting only three months. Many Kenyans opted to remain in Qatar, hoping to secure alternative job opportunities despite the substantial investments they made to reach these positions. The situation has been particularly alarming for those who liquidated assets or incurred debts to finance their journey, as many had to sell land, livestock, or borrow funds to pursue what they believed were legitimate opportunities. Mutua, who formerly held a post in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, identified widespread corruption as a primary factor contributing to this crisis. Since assuming his current position, he has prioritized reforms aimed at eliminating exploitation by dishonest recruitment agencies. His ministry has reiterated that job interviews should not entail costs for applicants, with legitimate expenses limited to medical exams and administrative fees. In response to these pressing issues, the Kenyan government has reformed the recruitment process by eliminating unauthorized agents and barring the collection of upfront fees. Furthermore, a commitment has been secured from a Qatari company to create 8,000 job openings in various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, and construction, with 3,000 positions available in the immediate future. The Kenyan government envisions expanding employment opportunities in Qatar to facilitate the employment of 200,000 skilled Kenyan professionals in the coming years, particularly in fields such as nursing, engineering, and information technology, thus shifting the focus away from low-wage, unskilled labor exports to the Middle East.
The article outlines the alarming predicament faced by approximately 5,000 Kenyans stranded in Qatar following their arrival during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. These individuals were misled by fraudulent recruitment agencies which promised lucrative employment opportunities. The article provides insight into the systemic issues of corruption and exploitation within the recruitment industry that have led to these widespread challenges, highlighting the Kenyan government’s response to address these issues and implement reforms in the recruitment process to protect its citizens.
In conclusion, the plight of the 5,000 Kenyans stranded in Qatar underscores the serious ramifications of exploitation by fraudulent recruitment agencies. The Kenyan government is taking decisive steps to reform the recruitment process to eliminate unauthorized agents and prevent the collection of upfront fees. By securing job opportunities in Qatar for skilled professionals, the government aims to protect its citizens’ rights and create sustainable employment avenues, moving beyond traditional low-wage labor exports.
Original Source: www.mwakilishi.com
