UNHCR is working to help refugees in Kakuma access complementary pathways for admission to third countries, such as education opportunities, employment opportunities (labor mobility), family reunification, sponsorships and humanitarian visas.
Complementary pathways are safe and regulated avenues for refugees that complement resettlement by providing a lawful stay in a third country where their international protection needs are met. Complementary Pathways for Admission are additional to resettlement.
Please ensure that data about your family, your education and your skills are updated with UNHCR so that you can be considered when opportunities arise. You can do so by making an appointment with RAS at the Field Posts or by writing to UNHCR.
If you require any assistance or have questions on complementary pathways, please write to us at [email protected].
If you are looking for information on third-country scholarships, please visit the below site:
All of UNHCR’s services are free of charge. You can read more about this here.
Family Reunification
Different countries have different family reunification schemes and procedures. If you have a family member in a third country with whom you would like to reunite, please learn about the family reunification process of that country. Typically, this information can be obtained from the website of the Ministry of Interior of that country. Sometimes other organizations provide useful information as well, such as the Red Cross.
Please note that family reunification schemes are often highly complex, and requirements and conditions are stringent. For example, you must be either a spouse or a minor child of your family member, your family member must submit an application within a specified period of time after being granted a legal status, such as being recognized as a refugee in need of international protection, and your family member must show financial ability to look after you. These rules differ between countries. It is your and your family member’s responsibility to find out the particular rules of your third country’s family reunification scheme. UNHCR Sub-Office Kakuma cannot do this for you. You might be able to find out useful information on other countries’ HELP pages.
Engaging a legal professional who is specialized in migration law of the third country is often extremely helpful in navigating through the process. It is encouraged that your family member in a third country seek legal assistance where possible.
UNHCR Sub-Office Kakuma may be able to assist you with documentation in Kenya. For support, please write to [email protected].
Education and Scholarship Opportunities Abroad
Information on education and scholarship opportunities are announced in the camps by providers, UNHCR, education partners, and through schools, using various channels including flyers, social media and this HELP site. You can also find information on scholarships offered to refugees here: Opportunities for Refugees.
Scholarship programs such as WUSC are announced each year in Kakuma and Kalobeyei. Calls for application are disseminated through schools, flyers and various social media including WhatsApp communication tree. Eligibility requirements differ between scholarship programs, and typically there are interviews, either in-person or virtual. Relevant information will be communicated to you by the scholarship providers.
Employment Opportunities Abroad
Information on labor mobility projects are announced in the camps by providers, UNHCR, Education and Livelihoods partners, using various channels including WhatsApp communication trees and adverts. Adverts will also be posted here. Please be on the lookout and submit your application if interested.
Current Opportunities - Calls for Applications
Economic Mobility Project
RefugePoint is pleased to announce an outreach for applications from refugees in Kenya to pursue opportunities under Canada’s economic migration pathways. Profiles of applicants meeting the programs’ criteria will be shared with potential employers in Canada who will review and confirm their interest in pursuing the application. Applicants will undergo a competitive recruitment process as job opportunities are limited and only successful applicants will be invited to submit applications through Canada’s economic migration pathways. In addition to meeting the set criteria and employer needs, applicants must also fulfil Canada’s criteria for economic migration.
In this outreach call, RefugePoint is seeking applications from applicants meeting the following requirements:
- Applicants must be recognized refugees in Kenya and issued with the requisite documentation by the Refugee Affairs Secretariat (RAS). Applications are invited from both urban and camp-based refugees.
- Minimum education qualifications-Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Nursing or Clinical Medicine (Clinical Officer) or related field/s.
- At least 2-3 years’ work experience as a Nurse or Clinical Officer or related position which should be recent (at least 1 year of working experience in the last 5 years)
- Fluent proficiency in English (reading, writing, comprehension and speaking) – language test will be administered
Application Procedures
Applicants should immediately submit a copy of their curriculum vitae (CV), a copy of their Refugee Identity Card or Waiting Slip and Proof of Registration if Available. Due to COVID-19, we strongly encourage applications to be submitted electronically through the email address: [email protected].
Applicants should provide their phone numbers where feedback about their applications will be provided.
Female applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.