Kenya offers temporary amnesty after Burundians seek papers amid harassment reports
The registration scheme follows enforcement of a policy targeting foreign-run businesses operating without work permits.
Kenya has announced a temporary registration amnesty for undocumented East African migrants after hundreds of Burundians reportedly sought travel documents at their embassy in Nairobi amid fears of harassment and a crackdown.
The move follows an order from President William Ruto’s government targeting small businesses run by foreigners without work permits. Enforcement began on Monday, prompting crowds to gather outside Burundi’s embassy, although no crackdown was evident at the time.
Under the scheme, undocumented East African migrants who register at their embassies during the designated period will be presumed legally present in Kenya. The government said the arrangement would allow them to access health, banking and legal protections.
Kenyan authorities also directed security agencies and local officials to prevent arbitrary harassment and discrimination against foreign nationals. The government said those seeking to fuel xenophobic sentiment or mistreat neighbouring communities would face legal action.
Junior Foreign Minister Korir Sing’Oei visited Burundi’s embassy, apologised to Burundians and promised police protection in areas where violence had been reported. Some Burundians told AFP they had faced threats, harassment and violence, though the scale of those reports has not been independently established.
About 16,000 Burundian migrants and refugees live in Kenya, according to the United Nations. Kenya and Burundi are members of the East African Community, which provides for freedom of movement among citizens of its eight member states. Critics of Mr Ruto have accused his government of blaming foreigners for economic difficulties ahead of next year’s election.
