Get a Class M work permit as a refugee
Directorate of Immigration Services · sources read 2 Oct 2026
A recognised refugee (or their spouse) who wants to work or run a business applies for a free Class M permit on the eFNS portal with Form 25, a cover letter, a photo, a refugee certificate and a recognition letter from UNHCR and the Department of Refugee Affairs. Print the issued permit and take it to an immigration office for endorsement.
- Fee
- FreeClass M permit (refugees)
- How long
- About 21 working days
- Where
- Online on the eFNS portal (fns.immigration.go.ke), then an immigration office for endorsement
What you need
- Form 25, filled and signed
- A signed cover letter from your employer, organisation or yourself, to the Director General of Immigration Services
- A recent colour passport photo (uploaded)
- Your valid refugee certificate
- A recognition letter from UNHCR and the Department of Refugee Affairs
Steps
- Get your recognition letter from UNHCR and the Department of Refugee Affairs, and make sure your refugee certificate is valid.
- Apply on the eFNS portal (fns.immigration.go.ke) with Form 25 and upload all the documents.
- Once the permit is issued, print it from eFNS and take it to an immigration office for endorsement.
Watch out
- The Class M permit is free: there is no fee to pay.
- You must already have been granted refugee status in Kenya.
Who can apply
- People granted refugee status in Kenya, and their spouses, who want to take up a job or a trade, business or profession.
Official sources (4)
- Class M: (Refugees) immigration.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Work Permits and Passes immigration.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Directorate of Immigration Services Delivery Charter 2025 immigration.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) fns.immigration.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026