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The Kenyan ambassador to Muscat held bilateral talks with Oman’s undersecretary for labour affairs on November 2 2026 to push forward a proposed memorandum of understanding on employment regulation and recruitment procedures according to a statement from the Kenya Embassy in Muscat. Discussions centred on challenges confronting Kenyan migrant workers in Oman including instances of individuals left without support after deceptive job promises from agents operating in Kenya. The ambassador commended Oman’s labour reforms that have strengthened worker protections and fair employment practices in recent years the embassy statement noted.
Several Kenyan nationals remain sheltered at the Kenyan Embassy in Muscat after being defrauded by unscrupulous recruitment agents who charged fees for nonexistent positions a pattern highlighted in diplomatic exchanges with Omani officials. Oman maintains strict visa policies that prohibit the use of tourist visas for employment purposes as clarified in prior meetings to curb such abuses. The proposed labour deal would establish authorised channels for hiring to prevent future cases and ensure orderly mobility between the two countries.
Kenya has concluded bilateral labour agreements with Qatar Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates that facilitate safer migration for its citizens Kenya News Agency reports show. Negotiations are under way with Oman alongside Jordan Kuwait and Bahrain to extend similar protections across additional Gulf destinations. These pacts form part of a wider government strategy to manage labour outflows while mitigating risks such as contract violations and mistreatment of workers abroad.
More than four million Kenyans live in the diaspora and contribute through remittances that have grown substantially in recent years according to Labour and Social Protection ministry data. Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui stressed during a consultative meeting with GCC ambassadors the importance of joint efforts to tackle unethical recruitment trafficking and passport confiscation by employers. The ministry is advancing a dedicated labour migration policy and supporting legislation to reinforce oversight of the recruitment process.
The November 2 meeting reaffirmed both governments’ commitment to safe and mutually beneficial labour cooperation the Kenya Embassy in Muscat stated. Oman’s undersecretary engaged directly on enhancing regulatory frameworks that safeguard migrant welfare and promote transparent hiring practices. Kenyan diplomatic staff continue to coordinate repatriation and legal assistance for those currently affected by irregular migration schemes.
A Rapid Results Initiative launched by the Labour ministry aims to place around 35 000 Kenyans in overseas positions by June 2027 with bilateral deals serving as the foundation for these placements Kenya News Agency figures indicate. The initiative addresses domestic unemployment while prioritising worker safety through official agreements rather than private agents. Progress on the Oman memorandum represents one element in Kenya’s ongoing diplomatic campaign to expand regulated labour opportunities across the Gulf region.
