Sep 15, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — The Kenya government has lifted the amnesty on foreigners living in the country with expired visa or residency permit.
According to a document seen by our editorial team, the immigration department is circulating a memo on the lifting of amnesty beyond the stipulated six (6) months that was caused by Covid-19 international travel restrictions.
According to a statement extended to Nyamilepedia, all affected visitors have 14 days to comply with effect from Monday, 14th September 2020.
“In light of the eased COVID 19 related and the resumption of international travel, the directorate of immigration services (Kenya) has lifted an earlier amnesty on a stay in the country beyond the stipulated six (6) months.” Read the statement shared by the immigration department.
Within these two weeks, foreigners may make arrangement to leave the country or re-apply for residency permit to regulate their stay.
The amnesty was introduced in April when the country went on lockdown to prevent the spread of Corona Virus.
This led to closure of borders and airspace as well as, initially, intercountry movements to and from Nairobi.
Kenya is gradually lifting corona virus containment measures as the Covid 19 curve is slowly flattening.
Since then, Kenya has recorded 36, 157 cases and 23, 067 recoveries. 622 persons have lost their lives to the virus.
The country is experiencing the gradual reduction of cases although Kenya still has about 13,090 active cases.
In normal circumstances, foreigners are not allowed to overstay their stipulated time. Overstaying a visa or a permit attracts a jail term of three years or a fine of ksh. 500,000.
