The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called on Kenyans working abroad to register themselves with Kenyan Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates, and Permanent Missions.
In a notice on Thursday, November 13, Atwoli explained that proper documentation of workers is important to ensure timely government assistance in case of emergencies or other challenges.
“The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K), wishes to strongly caution and advise all Kenyan workers who travel or are currently working abroad to always register themselves with Kenyan Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates, and Permanent Missions in their respective countries of residence or employment.
“As Kenya increasingly positions itself as a labour exporting nation, it is a matter of importance that our workers abroad are properly documented and recognized through official government channels so that in the event of any challenges, emergencies, or disputes, the Kenyan government can offer timely protection, assistance, and accountability,” read the statement in part.
At the same time, Atwoli noted the union has, over the past six months, received multiple distress calls from Kenyan workers abroad who are concerned about a rising trend of individuals traveling overseas to export activism.
He said the activities may expose them to foreign legal consequences and risk the welfare and reputation of other Kenyan workers in those countries.
“I am, therefore, surprised that some Kenyans are now blaming the Kenyan government, mostly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while when they go to foreign countries they do so without following the proper channels to document themselves, knowing all too well that they go there with ulterior motives,” Atwoli stated.
Further, the COTU Secretary General said the union will also not tolerate foreigners who cause havoc in the country.
Atwoli condemned a recent incident involving a Chinese national who insulted the COTU (K) Chairman-General and called immediate deportation of the individual.
“Equally, as Kenyans, we would not tolerate anyone coming into our country to cause havoc. For instance, the recent case involving a Chinese national at the EPZ who insulted the COTU (K) Chairman General is unacceptable, and such an individual should be deported immediately,” he added.
This comes days after the State Department of Foreign Affairs urged Kenyans living abroad to register with the nearest Kenyan embassies and high commissions.
In a statement, the department said it had received numerous concerns and appeals from Kenyans regarding the safety of their relatives and friends abroad, prompting the call for immediate action and coordination.
The department also urged members of the public to provide the name and contact details of a relative for coordination between the Ministry, the Directorate of Diaspora Affairs and Kenya Missions abroad.
“It is important to reiterate that as Kenyans we are all required at the earliest opportunity to register ourselves and addresses at the nearest Kenya Mission abroad, this is as indicated on page 32 of the passport of the Republic of Kenya.
“Let us all work together to secure the best interests of our brothers and sisters wherever they may be. All the information you provide will be shared immediately with all the respective Kenya Missions abroad for action,” the Foreign Affairs State Department stated.
