Kenya and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to sign a comprehensive labour agreement before the end of the year to govern and guide the labour relations of the thousands of Kenyans working there.
The deal was reached following discussions between Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula and his UAE counterpart Prince Abdullah Bin Al Nahyan.
Prince Al Nahyan said the UAE is happy and satisfied with the work and professional conduct of the Kenyan labour force that is law abiding.
The UAE minister also confirmed that his country would open a residence mission in Nairobi and post an ambassador by the end of the year.
On his part Mr Wetangula told his UAE counterpart that Kenya recognized the rights of the Palestinian people and supported their claim for nationhood.
He noted that Kenya’s position was reiterated by President Kibaki during his address to UN General Assembly in September this year and supported her full membership to UNESCO.
Mr Wetangula who was accompanied by cabinet minister Otieno Kajwang thanked UAE government for agreeing to resolve any immigration issues facing Kenyans working and residing in UAE.
It is estimated that over 36,000 Kenyans work in Dubai in the hospitality and construction industries. Thousands others frequent the free port city on business trips.
Meanwhile, UAE minister assured Kenya that his country understands, appreciates and supports Kenya’s cooperation against the extremist and intolerant Al Shabaab group.
He noted that extremists groups posed a threat not only to Kenya but also to many countries that are affected by the instability in Somalia that had given rise to piracy along the East African coast and the Gulf region.
Source- http://www.kbc.co.ke/news.asp?nid=73646
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