Kenya has unveiled new recruitment rules for citizens seeking employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia following the signing of a Letter of Intent between the two countries aimed at reducing recruitment costs, increasing job opportunities and streamlining labour migration.
In a public post on November 14, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said he signed the agreement in Riyadh after talks with Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister in the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Dr Abdullah bin Nasser Abuthnain.
New Saudi Programme for Kenyan Workers
The agreement establishes a framework for enhanced cooperation in the recruitment of Kenyan workers to Saudi Arabia and introduces a three-month pilot programme that will operate under an agreed all-inclusive recruitment cost ceiling.
“To advance this objective, the Letter of Intent provides for an initial three-month pilot programme with an agreed all-inclusive recruitment cost ceiling,” CS Alfred Mutua stated.
He said reducing recruitment costs would let workers keep more of their earnings while making overseas employment opportunities accessible to more Kenyans.
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The Cabinet Secretary said participation in the pilot programme would be voluntary for recruitment agencies in both countries.
Agencies that can operate within the agreed cost ceiling will be eligible to participate, while those unable or unwilling to comply will not be compelled to join the programme.
Kenya and Saudi Arabia are targeting the recruitment of at least 10,000 Kenyan workers every month under the new arrangement.
The opportunities will be available across various sectors of the Saudi economy, including transport, hospitality, education, healthcare, construction, retail and the oil and gas industry.
Available positions are expected to include drivers, hospitality workers, tutors, teachers, medical practitioners, construction workers and retail employees among others.
Agencies Invited to Join Pilot Programme
Mutua said the Kenyan government would facilitate compliance among participating recruitment agencies, undertake readiness reviews of medical centres and support the accelerated processing of documentation required by job seekers.
The Saudi government, he added, will work through its embassy in Nairobi to facilitate faster visa processing and support participating employers and recruitment firms.
Following the signing of the agreement, Mutua directed the National Employment Authority (NEA) to formally communicate with recruitment agencies interested in participating in the pilot programme.
Interested agencies have been asked to submit their details and supporting documents to the authority for onward transmission to Saudi officials.
The information will be used to identify participating agencies and facilitate the processing of job demand orders necessary for the recruitment exercise.
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Mutua urged recruitment agencies to take advantage of the opportunity while ensuring full compliance with all regulatory and operational requirements.
Warning Against Rogue Recruiters
The Labour CS also warned Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad to avoid unlicensed recruitment agents and individuals claiming to offer jobs in Saudi Arabia outside approved channels.
He advised job seekers to work only with recruitment agencies licensed by the National Employment Authority and cautioned them against surrendering money or personal documents without verified job offers and proper documentation.
Mutua called on prospective workers to verify the licensing status of recruitment agencies with the authority before engaging their services.
He said the government would take action against recruitment agents involved in fraud, exploitation, human trafficking and other forms of abuse targeting job seekers.
“The Government will not relent in taking action against rogue recruitment agencies who exploit job seekers, engage in fraudulent practices or expose our citizens to human trafficking and other forms of abuse,” the CS stated.
According to Mutua, the broader objective of the programme is to ensure Kenyans access decent work opportunities, earn better wages and operate in environments that protect their rights and dignity.
The Cabinet Secretary said Kenya and Saudi Arabia would jointly review the pilot programme after three months to assess implementation, recruitment volumes, and overall outcomes before deciding whether adjustments or an extension are necessary.
He described the Letter of Intent as a significant step toward strengthening labour relations between Kenya and Saudi Arabia and creating more structured, affordable, and mutually beneficial pathways for employment abroad.
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