Seven Chinese nationals Trading in Gikomba has been arrested after their activities were highlighted in various media outlets. This led to an uproar by Kenyans online.
The businesses that they were operating were raided and the Chinese nationals were arrested. They were arrested during a raid on Gikomba Market conducted by DCI and Immigration officials.
Upon further interrogation, seven Cinese nationals were found to have flouted immigration rules. Officers established that three of them had no valid work permits while the other four have been engaging in employment and other income generating activities unauthorized under their respective work permit classes. Consequently the Cabinet Secretary in charge of immigration has signed deportation orders as recommended by law.
The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011 makes it an offence for any foreigner to enter or remain in Kenya to temporarily engage in trade, prospecting, farming, business, professional employment, missionary activities without a permit of the relevant class as provided for under Section 36(1) and the seventh Schedule of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012.
“hWe hereby reassure Kenyans that our current Work/Residence permit regime is the most advanced in the region, and we are fully committed to protecting the integrity of our country.
Kenya welcomes and values foreigners who invest, work and visit our country and will continue to support those who follow due diligence and adhere to our immigration and labour laws to the letter”
Ministry of Interior & Coordination of National Government