Aston Lukoye
- Joint statement issued by Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
- Aims to clarify recent immigration program announcement causing confusion among Kenyan nationals
- Discrepancy between Cabinet Secretary Mutua’s announcement and response from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
In a joint statement issued by the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada, and Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, both officials sought to clarify a recent immigration program announcement that had caused confusion and disappointment among Kenyan nationals.
The statement aimed to address the discrepancy between the announcement made by Cabinet Secretary Mutua and the response from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), stating that the referenced immigration programs do not exist.
The joint statement underscored the strong ties between Canada and Kenya, recognizing the significant contributions Kenyans make when they choose to immigrate to Canada in terms of economics, culture, and society. Minister Fraser expressed gratitude to Cabinet Secretary Mutua for Kenya’s cooperation and support in Canada’s response to the conflict in Sudan and the successful implementation of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, allowing skilled refugees to continue their professional careers in Canada.
While highlighting Canada’s position as a preferred destination for global talent and the growing popularity among Kenyan nationals, including international students and agricultural workers, Minister Fraser emphasized the existing temporary and permanent pathways available for foreign nationals to live, work, visit, and study in Canada. Economic pathways like the Express Entry program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program were specifically discussed.
During their meeting, both officials agreed that IRCC would provide comprehensive briefings to Kenyan officials, presenting a detailed overview of all of Canada’s available immigration programs. This information exchange aims to provide clarity and insights into how foreign nationals, including Kenyans, can apply to these programs. The joint statement stressed the commitment to collaboration and providing accurate information to Kenyans interested in coming to Canada.
STATEMENT
Ottawa, May 18, 2023—The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, issued the following statement:
“This week, Canada’s Minister of Immigration,…
— Dr. Alfred N. Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) May 19, 2023
The dismissal of the announced immigration programs by Canadian authorities has caused disappointment and confusion among some Kenyan nationals who had anticipated job opportunities in Canada. The joint statement serves as an official response, clarifying that the referenced programs are non-existent and advising individuals to refer to IRCC’s website for accurate and up-to-date information on eligibility and immigration programs.
The collaboration between Canada and Kenya will continue, with a focus on ensuring accurate information is provided regarding existing immigration pathways. The joint statement aims to address any misunderstandings and ensure that Kenyan individuals interested in immigrating to Canada have access to reliable information regarding their immigration options.
