Immigration and Refugee Advice for Employers, Investors and Individuals
Work permits and passes in Kenya are governed by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 and its regulations, and applications are made online through the Directorate of Immigration Services' eFNS portal. Choosing the wrong permit class, or missing a supporting requirement, is the most common reason applications are delayed or refused.
Entering Kenya has become easier: electronic travel authorisation replaced visas in January 2024, and many nationalities became exempt in 2025. But in September 2026 the government made clear that visa-free entry does not give anyone the right to work, trade or run a business in Kenya. Employers of foreign staff, and foreign investors running businesses here, should expect closer scrutiny.
For refugees and asylum seekers, the Refugees Act, 2021 and its 2024 regulations recognise rights including the right to work and to own property, and the Government's Shirika Plan, launched in March 2025, aims to move refugees from camps toward integration with host communities. In practice, turning those rights into documents, permits and registered businesses remains difficult, and legal support often makes the difference.
How We Can Help
Immigration
Work Permits
Advising on the right permit class, including Class D for employment and Class G for trade, business and consultancy, and preparing applications and renewals.
Special & Dependant Passes
Securing special passes for short-term assignments and dependant passes for the family members of permit holders.
Employer Compliance
Auditing the immigration status of foreign staff, regularising gaps, responding to Directorate enquiries, and challenging refusals or adverse decisions.
Refugee law
Refugee Status & Appeals
Supporting asylum seekers through refugee status determination with the Department of Refugee Services, and pursuing appeals where status is refused.
Refugee Rights & Documentation
Helping recognised refugees obtain the documents they are entitled to, including work permits, movement passes and business registration.
Advising Employers & Organisations
Advising businesses and non-profit organisations on lawfully employing refugees and on their obligations under the Refugees Act.
Why Choose Us for Immigration & Refugee Law
The Right Class, First Time
We start by confirming which permit or pass genuinely fits the activity, which avoids refusals and the delays that follow.
Employers and Individuals
We act for companies relocating staff and for individuals and families building a life in Kenya.
Care in Refugee Matters
Refugee cases involve people in vulnerable situations. We handle them with the sensitivity and confidentiality they require.
Litigation When Needed
When an application is refused or a right is denied, our litigation team can challenge the decision through the courts.
Need Help With a Work Permit or Refugee Matter?
Speak to our team about your matter. We respond to enquiries within one working day.