The Ministry of Interior and National Administration in Kenya has announced a new directive requiring all refugees and asylum seekers to surrender their travel documents within the next 30 days.
This decision comes in response to reports indicating that some refugees have been using passports from their countries of origin to travel outside Kenya, raising concerns about fraudulent activities.
In a statement, the Commissioner of Refugees warned that failure to comply with this directive could result in severe legal consequences, including the cancellation of refugee status and potential expulsion from the country.
“These actions are in line with Section 17 of the Refugees Act,” the Commissioner emphasized.
The Commissioner further stated that refugees who provided false or omitted critical information during their application processes could also face the loss of their refugee status.
If there is compelling evidence that an individual was incorrectly recognized as a refugee, their status will be revoked, underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the refugee system.
Refugees are urged to adhere to this directive to ensure their rights remain protected under both international law and the Refugees Act of 2021.
The Commissioner reassured refugees that their safety and well-being are top priorities for the government, and the Department of Refugee Services expressed gratitude for their cooperation during this process.
