It seems obvious. You’ve just been asked to relocate to Kenya on a long-term work assignment. Who has priority when you make the final call? If you’re married or in a long-term relationship, your answer would usually be your partner. Kenya’s Dependant Pass would be the solution here – keep reading to find out why.
Employers are catching up with the notion that when corporate assignees decide to relocate, their spouse has the final say as to whether they’ll accept the assignment or not.
In an article titled “How support for relocating partners can deliver successful mobility” by Ernst and Young Global Ltd. it states that:
“Today, 97% of mobile employees say they actively involve their partners in the discussions prior to accepting an assignment, and partners also say they are involved in the decision.”
The same article further clarifies that “Seventy-one percent of employers offer partner support to increase the overall satisfaction during the assignment. Interestingly, 33% of employers have increased the job performance of their assignees through offering partner support.”
In other words, it doesn’t matter how attractive your corporate mobility policy is, if it doesn’t offer spousal and dependants relocation and support, you may lose the employee’s interest in relocation completely. Even if you applied to a Kenyan company privately and were awarded a long-term work permit, working in a new location can be a lonely and daunting experience – taking your partner along could help immeasurably with your integration and wellbeing overall. This is where we come in.
Dependant Pass Requirements
At IBN Immigration Solutions, our expert consultants have years of experience in supporting assignees by helping their partners apply for a Kenyan Dependant Pass, individually or in bulk, as part of a large assignee contingent.
A dependant is defined as family members who are dependent on the applicant, such as a spouse and children or any other person who, because of age, disability or incapacity, is unable to maintain himself or herself adequately or for some other reason relies upon the applicant for his or her maintenance.
The Kenyan Dependant Pass requirements are not too stringent but unfortunately, same-sex partnerships and long-term partnerships are not recognised. Marriage is the only applicable eligibility factor. Please note that besides the dependant pass, a multiple-entry visa is required. Unfortunately, the spouse will not be allowed to conduct work activities on this visa.
What you will need:
- A duly filled and signed Form 28 – Dependant Pass
- Detailed and Signed Cover letter from the applicant addressed to the Director of Immigration Services
- Two (2) recent coloured passport-size photographs of the dependant
- Copy of a valid national passport / National ID (bio-data page) for both the applicant and the Dependant.
- Evidence of the relationship between the applicant and the dependant i.e. duly certified copies of marriage certificate, birth certificate, and death certificate, whichever applicable
- Proof of sufficient and assured income to sustain self and the dependant.
- Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorised /recognised institution (IBN Immigration Solutions can happily assist with this, too.)
- Documentary Proof of any other condition leading to dependency e.g. Medical condition, disability, age among others.
- A valid copy of the permit for those applicants holding a work permit (at least six months before the date of application).
- Copy of Checklist
Whether you are part of an international corporation looking to improve their Kenyan spousal relocation initiatives or a private worker heading to Kenya long-term, contact us today to smooth the process of applying for a Kenyan Dependant’s Pass.
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