Many young Kenyans are looking for opportunities to work outside the country. This is because of the high unemployment rate. Every year, hundreds of thousands of graduates from Universities and colleges get into the job market but the Government is not creating enough jobs to absorb all of them. Many therefore try their luck in other countries. But not all who manage to go abroad find it easy. We have heard reports of some Kenyans who are being mistreated in Middle East Countries and neighboring South Sudan. Before you fly outside, take note of the following.
A binding contract
Before you board that plane, make sure you have signed a binding contract. If there is no contract, then the job might turn out to be something else. Normally, a good and reputable organization provides the employee with a contract to read, understand and sign. It is only after the contract I signed that traveling arrangements can be made. Insist that you have your own copy of the contract, indicating how much you will earn plus other conditions.
Work permit
For you to work in another country, you require a work permit. Insist that you get a work permit from your employer before flying outside the country. You should be provided with a worker’s badge (staff identification card) which shows the specific organization you work for and your position.
Travel documents
Make sure you are furnished with all the necessary traveling documents. Normally, it is the employer who caters for the traveling expenses and Visa. If you find an organization which instructs you to pay for your own airfare then something is not right somewhere. The organization should be able to at least pay for your airfare and hotel accommodation if need be. What you can pay for his passport and Visa (in some cases). The bottom line is, never leave the country if you do not have all traveling documents as well as identification documents.
Accommodation details
It is also important you know before you leave the country whether the organization will or will not provide you with accommodation. Most organizations cater for accommodation and meals. In the unfortunate event that you are to look for your own accommodation, then you need to browse and check for cheaper hotels and lodgings online. You can also liaise with tours and travel agencies in that country to enable you to find a good hotel.