Why Kenyans Are Flocking to Job Opportunities in Canada
Kenyans on the lookout for jobs are shifting their focus from Europe to Canada.
According to the Canadian Immigration Department, over 13,000 Kenyans are employed in various economic sectors in Canada.
Kenyans attempt to acquire the necessary documents to fly to Canada due to the country’s political and economic stability.
Additionally, Canada offers additional benefits, such as a highly developed healthcare system and an internationally renowned education system.
“There are now over 13,000 people of Kenyan origin who live in Canada. This number continues to grow yearly due to more Kenyans moving to Canada to immigrate, work, and study,” the immigration department stated.
The Canadian dollar also benefits Kenyans seeking employment in Canada. According to the indicative rates published by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on June 9, the exchange rate between the Kenyan shilling and the Canadian dollar is Ksh104.
In addition to employment opportunities, the Canadian Immigration Department website indicates that Kenyans are in a strong position to immigrate to Canada due to their proficiency in English, education, and professional work experience.
The majority of Kenyans migrating to Canada are enrolled in the health sector. In January of 2023, 65 Kenyan nurses from the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps were hired by a Canadian medical facility.
Additionally, the hospitality industry is a major employment sector. On Thursday, May 18, 2023, a Canadian hotel chain launched a fundraising campaign to assist two Kenyan immigrants with their relocation to Canada.
“Our goal is to raise Ksh550,000 ($4000) in funds that would go towards the costs of their travel, food, basic household items and the fees they will incur while working to become permanent residents of Canada,” the company started.
The education, business, and information technology sectors, as well as the construction and homecare industries, follow suit.
Conditions for Job-Seekers
Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Sean Fraser stated that Kenyans must meet the requirements of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which will be issued to prospective employers by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Fraser added that after confirmation, Kenyans must apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a work permit.
In addition, he stated that applicants must pass a skills and language assessment in order to be considered.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada cautioned Kenyans against employment schemes due to the demand. In a statement, they claimed that certain Kenyans were spreading false information to deceive applicants.
Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, reiterated this by cautioning Kenyans against falling for employment schemes.
“Canada is proud to be a top destination for global talent and an increasingly popular destination for Kenyan nationals, including international students and workers in the agriculture industry.
According to a statement, Minister Fraser and the Cabinet Secretary have reached an agreement.
As part of this agreement, officials from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will offer a detailed briefing to Kenyan officials.
The briefing will encompass information about Canada’s various immigration programs and provide additional guidance on the application process for foreign nationals interested in these programs.
Why Kenyans Are Flocking to Job Opportunities in Canada
