- The opportunities were announced in June 2023 by the MOH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, as part of a bilateral agreement between Kenya and Saudi Arabia to address the shortage of health workers in both countries.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Kenya has encouraged nurses to apply for 2,500 job opportunities in Saudi Arabia through an online portal.
However, the response has been lukewarm, with only 1,000 applicants showing interest so far; out of those, 500 are men.
The opportunities were announced in June 2023 by the MOH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, as part of a bilateral agreement between Kenya and Saudi Arabia to address the shortage of health workers in both countries.
According to the deal, fresh graduates would receive a monthly salary of KSHs 150,000, with experienced nurses earning more through negotiations. The packages also include health coverage, accommodation, food, and leave days as per international laws.
One possible reason for the limited number of applicants is the need for more awareness of the opportunities and benefits of working in Saudi Arabia.
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The MOH and the Ministry of Labour may not have adequately publicized the job openings, failing to provide comprehensive information about the requirements, application process, and selection criteria.
The confusion and misinformation are evident because 500 men have applied for positions exclusively for women.
Another significant factor is the negative perception many Kenyans hold about Saudi Arabia as a destination for migrant workers, particularly women.
Stories of abuse, exploitation, and mistreatment of domestic workers and low-level employees have created a fear of discrimination, harassment, and violation of rights among potential applicants.
Concerns over cultural and religious differences, language barriers, and the security situation in the country further contribute to the hesitancy.
The passport application process in Kenya is notorious for being slow, cumbersome, and prone to corruption. Many individuals face delays, inconveniences, and additional costs when obtaining their passports, exacerbated by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some potential applicants may lack the necessary documents, such as birth certificates, national IDs, and police clearance certificates, to initiate the passport application process. Fears of losing or not receiving their passports on time may also dissuade them from participating.
To encourage more Kenyan nurses to apply for job opportunities in Saudi Arabia, the MOH and the Ministry of Labour must address these challenges effectively.
They should enhance communication and coordination with applicants and stakeholders, providing comprehensive information and clarifying any misconceptions about working conditions in Saudi Arabia. Assurances of protection and support from the government and the embassy in Saudi Arabia can help alleviate concerns and build trust.
Streamlining the passport application process is crucial. The authorities should work towards making it more efficient, transparent, and less prone to corruption.
Simplifying the application requirements and procedures, reducing processing times, and ensuring the safe return of passports are essential steps to facilitate the participation of interested nurses.
Otherwise, they risk losing a golden opportunity to boost the employment and income of Kenyan nurses and the health systems of both countries.
