Refugee and Asylum Seeker Identification Documents Issued in Kenya

The Refugee Act No. 10 of 2021, specifically Section 28(6), establishes the right to documentation for refugees and asylum seekers.

This legislation ensures that every person in these categories is entitled to identification and civil registration documents.

These documents identify refugees and asylum seekers, facilitating their access to rights and services as outlined in the Refugee Act,2021 and other applicable laws.

There are several types of documentation available under this provision:

1. Asylum Seeker Pass: This document is issued to a person who has applied for asylum and is awaiting a decision on their refugee status.
2. Letter of Recognition: This official document confirms a person status as a recognized refugee and right to remain in Kenya.
3. Refugee Identity Card: This serves as the primary form of identification for recognized refugees in Kenya.
4. Conventional Travel Document (CTD): This is an internationally recognized travel document issued to refugees, allowing them to travel outside their country of asylum.
5. Movement Pass: This document permits refugees to travel within specific refugee designated areas or regions within kenya.

Each of these documents plays a specific role in ensuring that refugees and asylum seekers can access their rights and various government services.

The Asylum Seeker's Pass is an official document issued to a person who has applied for refugee status in Kenya. 

Here are some of the key points about this pass:

1. It is granted to a person upon submission of an application for refugee status.
2. The pass is initially valid for 90 days.
3. It serves as evidence that the holder has applied for refugee status in Kenya.
4. Each family member of the applicant receives a similar document.
5. The pass can be renewed after the initial 90-day period until all processes related to the refugee status application are completed.

Once a refugee is granted status and issued a refugee identity card, they must surrender their Asylum Seeker's Pass.

Upon application for refugee status, the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) issues a refugee recognition letter. This document is valid for one year and grants certain rights to remain in Kenya during the status determination process.

Some of the key points regarding the letter of recognition include:

1. Applicants and their family members are permitted to stay in Kenya throughout the status determination process.
2. This right extends to the following scenarios:
1. Until the applicant is officially recognized as a refugee.
2. If the application is unsuccessful, until all appeal options under the Refugees Act, 2021 have been exhausted.
3. In cases where an appeal under section 14 of the Refugees Act,2021 is unsuccessful, the applicant is allowed a reasonable time period, not exceeding 60 days, to seek admission to a country of their choice.

The Department of Refugee Services (DRS) issues a Refugee Identity Card to a person who has been officially recognized as refugee in Kenya.

This card serves as an important form of identification and documentation for refugees.

Some of the key points to note about the Refugee Identity Card include:

1. The card is valid for a period of 5 years.
2. The card can be renewed upon expiration.
3. The Refugee Identity Card holds a comparable status to the Foreign National Registration Certificate, also known as the Alien Card.

Convention Travel Documents (CTDs) are official travel documents issued to refugees for international travel purposes. These documents are processed and issued by the Commissioner for Refugee Affairs in collaboration with the Director of Immigration.

Some of the Key features of CTDs include:

1. CTDs allow travel outside the country of asylum, excluding the country of origin.
2. The CTD's appearance is blue in color, passport-sized, with "Travel Document (Convention 28 July 1951)" written in English and French on the cover.
3. The Contents of CTDs contain: Personal details, photograph of the bearer, and visa pages.
4. CTDs issued by the Kenyan Government are valid for five years.
5. CTDs can be renewed upon expiry, with a travel invitation required for renewal.

Reasons for CTD application include:

• Resettlement
• Education
• Medical purposes
• Employment
• Business
• Family reunification
• Complementary pathways (e.g., religious or sporting events)

It's important to note that CTDs are specifically designed for refugee travel and serve as an essential document for those granted asylum to engage in international travel for various legitimate purposes.

A Movement Pass is an official document issued to refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya who wish to travel outside their designated areas within the country. 

Here are some of the key points to understand about Movement Pass for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Kenya:

1. The pass allows travel for various reasons, including:
• Business
• Medical attention
• Education
• Training workshops
• Family visits
2. The Refugee Camp Officer, representing the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), is responsible for issuing Movement Passes.
3. The processing time typically takes 2 to 3 days. It's advisable to plan your travel in advance to accommodate this timeframe.
4. The DRS can issue urgent Movement Passes on a case-by-case basis. Examples of urgent situations include:
• Students returning to school
• Pressing medical needs

The pass is specifically for travel within Kenya, outside the designated refugee areas.