In a significant development, Kenyan nurses and midwives are now being offered an opportunity to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Labour in Kenya, through the National Employment Authority (NEA) online portal, has invited qualified professionals to submit their applications for employment in the thriving healthcare sector of Saudi Arabia.
The call for applications comes from fruitful discussions between the Ministry of Labour and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) aimed at fostering safe and productive labour migration.
A recent visit led by Labour CS Florence Bore to Saudi Arabia laid the foundation for bi-weekly meetings between the two nations, ultimately leading to this employment opportunity.
Geoffrey Kaituko, the Permanent Secretary of the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Kenyan and Saudi Arabian governments, which have already resulted in the successful employment of numerous Kenyans in various economic sectors within the KSA.
Building on this positive momentum, the KSA has expressed interest in recruiting additional healthcare professionals from Kenya.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the call for applications targets qualified Kenyan nurses and midwives.
“In view of the above, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection requests for Expression of Interest from qualified Kenyans for employment in the KSA as Nursing and Midwifery professionals notably Nursing and Medical, surgical, adult ICU, PICU, NICU and Midwifery.” The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection said in a statement.
Applicants are required to meet specific criteria to be eligible for consideration.
Firstly, applicants must be Kenyan citizens with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Sciences or Midwifery.
Candidates must be registered and licensed members of the Nursing Council of Kenya in good standing.
Additionally, applicants must have a valid Police Clearance Certificate and at least two years of nursing/midwifery experience in a hospital or post-registration work experience, with no more than a three-month out-of-practice period.
Proficiency in spoken and written English is a prerequisite, and candidates must be medically fit and hold a valid Kenyan passport.
Successful candidates can expect a one-year contract with the potential for annual renewal.
The Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will provide a monthly basic salary of Ksh. 176,843 (4700SAR), along with essential benefits such as meals, housing, transportation, medical coverage, and uniforms.
The Saudi government will also provide additional allowances, including a round-trip air ticket annually, ensuring a comprehensive employment package.
Aspiring applicants are encouraged to visit the Ministry’s website for detailed information on the recruitment and migration process.