As part of a new agreement, South Africa will deport all unlawful migrants, including those from neighbouring countries, to Kenya, easing the present tight visa limits for Kenyans.
Following the new agreement, which was arranged by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, Kenya would now be responsible for blocking all unlawful migrants from entering South Africa through Kenya.
Kenya will also be compelled to return deported unlawful migrants from South Africa who entered the country through Kenya, putting the weight of stopping the flow of illegal migrants on Nairobi’s shoulders.
South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said on Sunday that Kenya and South Africa have struck an agreement on deportation in the wake of an upsurge of persons arriving in Kenya from other countries and then driving to South Africa.
South African visa restrictions for Kenyan travellers and businesses have made it difficult for Kenyans to do business in the country.
The limits include a Sh5,350 processing charge that takes at least five working days to complete, which has remained a problematic issue for the two countries.
Applicants for Kenyan visas must also present sufficient proof of funds, such as return flight tickets, among other things.
South Africans, on the other hand, have it easier because they may obtain a Kenyan visa for free upon arrival.
*This article was written by Gerald Gekara for Uzalendo News. Email: uzalendonews24@gmail.com to submit your story.
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