Canada-based Kenyan Nurse Exposes Airlines' Travel Restrictions on Kenyans

A Canada-based Kenyan nurse has lamented the alleged discriminatory treatment of fellow Kenyan nationals travelling to Canada.

The nurse reports that Kenyan travellers have consistently been refused entry onto flights heading to Canada, despite having all the necessary travel documents, including valid visas. This unjust treatment has persisted for an extended period, causing significant financial and emotional distress for those impacted. The nurse, speaking up for those who are dealing with these difficulties, shares their frustration with the ongoing predicament.

She emphasizes that many airlines are turning away Kenyan passengers bound for Canada, labelling it as unfair and calling for immediate attention to the matter. One distressing incident involved two individuals who were en route to a conference in Canada with official invitations. Despite meticulous travel planning, including accommodation arrangements, they were unexpectedly barred from boarding their flights at the airport.

The nurse emphasizes that individuals who are seeking asylum in Canada are allowed to enter the country and apply for asylum, which contradicts the claims made by specific airline employees about Canada restricting the number of immigrants coming in. She clarifies that these restrictions only apply to studying abroad and do not impact regular travel. Urging immediate action, the nurse calls upon the Canadian Embassy in Kenya to step in promptly and ensure that all eligible Kenyan travellers can travel to Canada without any obstacles.

The plea highlights the issue of visa holders being denied entry at the airport, which raises concerns about the reliability of the travel authorization process. In response to these discriminatory actions, some Kenyans have shared their stories of finding alternative routes, like going through Tanzania or other countries to bypass the reported travel limitations. Making matters more complicated, Canada recently announced a substantial reduction in the number of study permits approved for 2024.

The decision to approve only 360,000 study permits, a decrease of 35% compared to the previous year, was made in response to the rise in immigration that has led to a housing crisis in Canada. This policy shift could pose challenges for Kenyan students aspiring to study in Canada. As this issue gains more attention, there is a growing call for transparency in the approval process for travel and a thorough investigation into the alleged unfair practices by airlines that affect Kenyan travellers bound for Canada.