Kenyan President William Ruto and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz give a press conference in Berlin on Friday. Liesa Johannssen/Reuters

Germany Denies 250,000 Worker Deal with Kenya

Germany’s Federal Ministry of Interior and Community has denied reports claiming that the country has signed an agreement with Kenya to bring in 250,000 workers.

This denial comes in response to a BBC report suggesting that the deal would create job opportunities for thousands of Kenyans.

Germany’s Interior Ministry stated that the agreement with Kenya does not specify any number of workers or quotas. Instead, all applicants will undergo a thorough selection process based on the stringent requirements of the German Skilled Immigration Act.

“This information is clearly false. The agreement does not set any numbers or quotas for skilled workers. All applicants must meet the strict criteria outlined by German immigration laws,” the Ministry clarified on X (formerly Twitter).

The erroneous report has sparked a backlash among German residents, who have expressed skepticism about the influx of migrant workers.

The deal signed on Friday between Kenya and Germany is intended to establish a framework for cooperation in labor mobility, apprenticeships, student training, labor market needs, and employee welfare.

Kenyan President William Ruto, during a meeting with Kenyans in Germany on Saturday, emphasized the potential benefits of the labor exchange for both countries. He assured that Kenya’s workforce will be properly utilized and not exploited, expressing appreciation for Germany’s support.

Germany’s Interior Ministry mentioned that it is engaged in confidential negotiations with several countries, including Georgia, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Colombia, Morocco, Ghana, and the Philippines, to develop migration partnerships.

“Migration partnerships vary by country and may involve international agreements, joint declarations, or bilateral working structures depending on the context and practical needs,” the Ministry explained.

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