Kenyans abroadDiaspora
Labour migration & worker welfare
Guidance, contract verification and welfare support for Kenyan migrant workers abroad.
Service standard: Initial response within 2 working daysLast updated: June 2026Available in: EN · SW
Who this is for
Kenyan migrant workers abroad - and those preparing to travel for work - who need their employment contract checked, advice on their rights, or help when an employer is in breach.
The welfare desk works with host-country labour authorities and recruitment agencies to resolve disputes and, where needed, to support a safe return home.
Verify your contract and the recruitment agency before you travel. If your passport has been withheld by an employer, contact the welfare desk immediately.
At a glance
- Who can apply
- Any Kenyan working abroad, or about to take up work abroad, on a documented contract.
- What to bring
- Your employment contract, passport copy, the agency or employer details, and a record of the issue including dates and any correspondence.
- Cost
- Free. The Ministry never charges migrant workers for welfare support.
- How long it takes
- Ongoing case support. The welfare desk acknowledges new cases within 2 working days.
- Where
- Through the labour and welfare desk at your mission, in person or by phone and email.
What happens after you apply
The step most sites skip - so you know what to expect and don't need to call.
- Contact the welfare desk and describe your situation with documents attached.
- An officer reviews your contract and confirms the facts of the case.
- The desk engages your employer, agency or local labour authorities on your behalf.
- You are kept updated and, where needed, supported to return home safely.
If something goes wrong, or you need help
If you are detained, hospitalised, or in immediate danger, do not wait for the form - call the consular emergency line. For questions about an application already submitted, contact the mission directly.
One template, every missionThis page runs on a single service spine - who it's for, what to bring, cost, time, where, what happens next. Nairobi and all 60+ missions fill the same fields with their local facts (fee, address, hours, emergency number). Fix the spine once and every mission improves; only the local data changes.