Kenya minister warns foreigners against 'misusing' visas to trade
The Kenyan government has issued a deadline for foreign nationals to cease unlicensed small-scale business operations, citing visa misuse. This directive has prompted many Burundian migrants to leave the country, leading to congestion at the Burundi embassy in Nairobi.
Why it matters
The crackdown highlights rising regional tensions regarding migration and labor policies in East Africa, potentially impacting diplomatic relations between Kenya and Burundi.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Basillioh Rukanga Nairobi Reuters Burundi nationals are waiting outside their country's embassy in Kenya to receive free travel documents to return home Hundreds of Burundians in Kenya are scrambling to process travel documents to leave the country ahead of the crackdown on unlicensed small businesses run by migrants.
Kenyan President William Ruto set Monday as the deadline for foreigners operating small-scale businesses to cease work, after the trade ministry said some exploited visa rules to work without the required permits.
Long queues were seen outside Burundi's embassy in the capital Nairobi after it said it would offer free emergency travel documents to citizens who want to go back home. Others are racing to buy bus tickets.
Kenya hosts hundreds of thousands of migrants from across East Africa seeking work and business opportunities.
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