Mombasa:Private employment agencies in Kenya are urging the government to intensify diplomatic efforts with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to lift travel restrictions imposed due to the Ebola outbreak. With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, concerns are mounting over the potential expiration of more than 50,000 issued visas.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Association of Private Employment Agencies (KAPEA) National Chairman Juma Omar Mwangala praised the containment progress of the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak. Mwangala acknowledged the efforts of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth in tracing contacts, discharging recovered patients, and releasing those who completed quarantine.
Mwangala highlighted the impact of travel disruptions on both Saudi employers and Kenyan families who have invested in visa processing. He urged continued engagement by the Ministries of Labour and Foreign Affairs with their Saudi counterparts to protect public health and mutual interests.
Former national chairman Mwalimu Mwanguzo, now chairing KAPEA’s Supervisory Committee, expressed urgency, noting that some visas have only one or two weeks before expiration. He called for expedited talks with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, fearing potential bans from other Gulf states.
Mwanguzo advised job seekers with visas and tickets to remain patient and maintain contact with their agents. He also appealed for President William Ruto’s intervention to ensure Muslims preparing for Umrah are not excluded.
Abdalla Mohammed Naim, a former Chairman and current director at Naim Investments Limited, emphasized the economic impact, including losses in passport applications, medical exams, and airline tickets. Naim noted that Saudi authorities, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, will decide on lifting restrictions based on public health assessments.
Naim pointed to Uganda’s situation, under restrictions since June, as a hopeful sign. He mentioned that agents there anticipate reopening once the country is declared Ebola-free. He noted Kenya’s progress, with no new Ebola cases recorded since the 42-day count began and recent releases from quarantine.
“These decisions are not ours to make. If we continue to contain it well, God willing, the doors will open,” Naim concluded.
