The reported restrictions involving Saudi Arabia and Kenya could have significant implications for Kenyans seeking employment in the Gulf country, particularly domestic workers and other migrant labourers.
The key issue is whether the restrictions amount to a complete ban on Kenyan workers or apply only to specific categories of employment.
Saudi Arabia has suspended travel to and from Kenya, halted the issuance of all categories of visas to Kenyan travellers and introduced restrictions barring certain travellers with recent links to Kenya from entering the Kingdom over concerns surrounding the Ebola outbreak.
The announcement was made on
 following an assessment by Saudi health authorities aimed at preventing the spread of the Ebola virus.
Under the new measures, Saudi citizens are prohibited from travelling to Kenya, while Saudi Arabia has suspended visa issuance to travellers from Kenya. The restrictions also affect people arriving through third countries if they have lived in or recently stayed in Kenya or other Ebola-affected countries within the preceding 21 days.
Saudi Gazette+1
