50316 - 05042010 Kenya is pushing for the removal of work permits at the regional level to enhance free movement of workers. Kenyan government fears the requirement could be used by some East African Community (EAC) member states to restrict free movement of workers in the region. Amason Kingi, the EAC minister, said during the workshop to sensitise Association of pr50316 - 05042010 Kenya is pushing for the removal of work permits at the regional level to enhance free movement of workers. Kenyan government fears the requirement could be used by some East African Community (EAC) member states to restrict free movement of workers in the region. Amason Kingi, the EAC minister, said during the workshop to sensitise Association of professional Society of East Africa (APSEA) on the EAC common market treaty. Currently, only Rwanda has removed the work permit requirement for East Africans seeking to work in Rwanda. Kenya, on the other hand, has a bilateral arrangement with Rwanda, granting Rwandese reprieve from applying for a work permit in Kenya. While responding to APSEA’s request to the ministry to facilitate free movement of professional services within the EAC, Kingi said his ministry has already petitioned the ministry of Immigration to look into the proposal. The Minister also rubbished claims that the removal of work permit would compromise security and deny other member states the much-needed revenue. The minister said there are other benefits that would accrue to respective economies. Singling out specialisation and skills, he said the movement of people to areas where they can optimally be deployed, would offset any loss the removal of work permits could create. Dr Daniel Ichangi, APSEA Chairman called for the elimination of the work permit in its entirety. He has also called for the inclusion of annex on Mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications, which would facilitate free movement of services. ofessional Society of East Africa (APSEA) on the EAC common market treaty. Currently, only Rwanda has removed the work permit requirement for East Africans seeking to work in Rwanda. Kenya, on the other hand, has a bilateral arrangement with Rwanda, granting Rwandese reprieve from applying for a work permit in Kenya. While responding to APSEA’s request to the ministry to facilitate free movement of professional services within the EAC, Kingi said his ministry has already petitioned the ministry of Immigration to look into the proposal. The Minister also rubbished claims that the removal of work permit would compromise security and deny other member states the much-needed revenue. The minister said there are other benefits that would accrue to respective economies. Singling out specialisation and skills, he said the movement of people to areas where they can optimally be deployed, would offset any loss the removal of work permits could create. Dr Daniel Ichangi, APSEA Chairman called for the elimination of the work permit in its entirety. He has also called for the inclusion of annex on Mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications, which would facilitate free movement of services.