Nairobi Man Shares Ways Kenyans Can Seek Asylum In Canada, Escape Domestic Issues

• Entrepreneur Anthony Wambugu suggests that Kenyans who feel endangered in their homeland should seek asylum overseas
• To qualify for asylum, individuals must demonstrate, among other factors, the infringement of their human rights
• Having studied abroad himself, Wambugu recommends Canada as a more accessible destination, citing its lenient immigration policies and regulations.

Nairobi businessman Anthony Wambugu has asked Kenyans concerned about their safety to seek new frontiers abroad.

Having lived and studied abroad, Wambugu believes relocating would help many locals struggling to stay afloat and find footing.

Who is eligible for asylum?

The VisaExpats executive told TUKO.co.ke that one such approach is seeking asylum in a stable country like Canada.

A person is eligible for asylum if they can prove that they have been, and continue to be, seriously and personally affected by civil war, armed conflict, or massive violation of human rights.

This group contains people whose lives are in danger, like some members of the LGBTQ community and those facing political threats.

According to him, this is possible if the individuals adhere to a well-defined process designed to assess claims based on individual merits.

How to initiate asylum process

To initiate the asylum process, individuals must physically arrive in Canada through an official port of entry or by crossing the border.

"Upon arrival, asylum seekers can make their claim, articulating their genuine reason for feeling threatened in their home country," he said.

Subsequently, the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) conducts a thorough assessment to determine the validity of the asylum request.

As this process unfolds, applicants can apply for a work permit, which allows them to sustain themselves financially while awaiting a final decision on their asylum status.

"It is critical to note that all asylum seekers, regardless of origin, are subject to the same legal procedures and scrutiny," he continued.

Wambugu adds that when selecting a province within Canada, a general recommendation is to consider those with lower population density.

Kenyans want opportunities abroad

During a recent study by TUKO.co.ke, Kenyans expressed a strong desire to leave the country due to widespread unemployment and the high cost of living.

Distrust in the current government's ability to fulfil promises further fuelled their desire to emigrate and find greener pastures.

They revealed a preference for Europe over Saudi Arabia due to concerns about mistreatment and violation of human rights.