Youths eye jobs in Middle East
Miraji Husein who worked as a house help in Riyadh, Saudi Arabai narrates how she managed to escape from the hands of her cruel Arab employer. Many youths are applying for travel documents to the Mid-East to search for employment, according to the immigration office in Nakuru County. PHOTO/FILE
What you need to know:
- South Rift immigration officer George Anunda said his office received 30 to 35 passport applications daily from youths intending to travel to the East.
- An agent who takes domestic workers to Lebanon, Mr James Wanyoike, said there were many job vacancies in the Middle East.
The allure of jobs in the Middle East has caught up with the county youths, the Immigration department has said.
Many youths are applying for travel documents to the Mid-East to search for employment, according to the immigration office in Nakuru County.
South Rift immigration officer George Anunda said his office received 30 to 35 passport applications daily from youths intending to travel to the East.
“We know that they are travelling to Dubai, Qatar, Lebanon and other Middle East countries in search of employment because they indicate the reason for applying for the passports,’’ said Mr Anunda.
DOMESTIC JOBS
He said that since the Foreign Affairs and Labour ministries streamlined the employment of domestic workers in the Middle East by demanding the registration and recognition of employment agencies in liaison with diplomatic mission based in Kenya, young people have been leaving in droves.
An agent who takes domestic workers to Lebanon, Mr James Wanyoike, said there were many job vacancies in the Middle East.
“We have numerous vacancies for jobs out there even the girls am assisting to get passports have already been offered employment as domestic workers,” said Mr Wanyoike during an interview.
He said Lebanese are 70 per cent Christians and that makes it easier for the girls to fit-in unlike those who travel to predominantly Muslim countries.
He added that vacancies in Lebanon were in domestic work, hair-stylists, receptionists, bank tellers and watchmen.
Mr Wanyoike said the immigrants sign a two year contract, they are bought a ticket, provided with food and accommodation and are paid between sh20,000 and Sh30,000 per month.
He explained that the two year contract is renewable depending on one’s performance on the job and when they arrive in Lebanon they register with the Kenyan Embassy and are allowed to call home as often as possible.
