Panic in the Middle East: Kenyan Nationals Stranded in Lebanon
This past week, panic has gripped East Africans in the Middle East as Lebanon came under a hail of fire from Israel and tensions between Tel Aviv and Iran reached a crescendo. The Kenyan government has been struggling to get its nationals to register for evacuation, as some are locked inside compounds by their employers. This crisis has shed light on the challenges of securing citizens working in “dangerous” places.
The Lebanon crisis emerged just after Kenya signed a labor export agreement with Germany, allowing the European country to tap into Kenya’s skilled labor force. President William Ruto sees this as a way to address spiraling unemployment. On the other hand, officials in Nairobi have admitted the double-edged nature of this policy, especially in places like Myanmar, where hundreds of East Africans have been rescued from bondage over the past few years.
The situation in Lebanon exposes the risks faced by Kenyan nationals working overseas, prompting the government to ban labor exports to Myanmar and Lebanon. Efforts are being made to improve the response to distress calls and protect vulnerable citizens. Migration comes with economic benefits, but also requires a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of workers abroad.
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