How to Get a Movement Pass in Kenya

Movement passes are issued by the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) to grant camp-based refugees and asylum seekers temporary permission to travel outside designated areas or refugee camps. These passes are provided for various reasons, including;

1. Attending medical appointments
2. Pursuing educational opportunities
3. Participating in employment activities
4. Reuniting with family members
5. Accessing vouchers for food assistance in refugee camps or
6. Any other reason as authorised by the DRS. 

The Movement Pass allows refugees and asylum seekers to travel outside of designated refugee camps or areas within Kenya for specific reasons, such as:

• Medical emergencies
• Education purposes
• Employment
• Business
• Other authorized reasons by DRS

A movement pass also allows a refugee to move from an urban area to a camp within specified days by the DRS.

Eligibility for a Movement Pass in Kenya includes the following groups:

1. Asylum Seekers: Individuals who have submitted an application for refugee status in Kenya.
2. Refugees: Individuals who have been officially granted refugee status in Kenya.

1. Submit the Application: You must submit an application to the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) through the Refugee Camp Officer.
2. Application Approval: The Refugee Camp Officer, working under the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) in Kenya, must approve the issuance of movement passes.
3. Vetting Procedure: The process requires applicants to undergo a mandatory vetting procedure.

It's important to note that applications for a movement pass may be declined for various reasons.

To apply for a movement pass, you must provide any of this list of registration documents;

1. A valid alien card
2. An asylum seeker pass
3. A refugee recognition letter from UNHCR or DRS
4. A refugee identity card, or 
5. A waiting card if an identity card has not yet been issued. 

Traders using vouchers for food assistance in refugee camps will require a business permit.

The document state its validity, and the beneficiary should return to the designated area before it expires to avoid prosecution for residing outside the designated area without authorization.

The pass should also be surrendered to the Refugee Camp Officer upon return from travel. Offenses can result in a jail sentence of up to 6 months, a fine of up to Kshs. 20,000, or both.

Department of Refugee Services (DRS)