Labor Exporters Decry Embassies Still Demanding for Interpol’s Certificates of Good Conduct

Interpol acting director Senior Commissioner of Police -SCP Charles Birungi

Although the ministry of gender, labour and social development three months ago announced that it was no longer necessary for migrant workers to obtain Certificates of Good Conduct from Interpol, labour companies have said embassies are still demanding for the same.

Ronnie Mukundane, the spokesperson of Uganda Association for External Recruiters Agencies (UAERA) said embassies among others Saudi Arabia do not allow any migrant work to obtain their Visa with presenting a Certificate of Good Conduct from Interpol.

“We thought it was going to simplify the process but it is not. You cannot get a Visa from Saudi Arabia unless you show them a Certificate of Good Conduct issued by Interpol. We have asked the foreign affairs ministry to intervene because it was a decision made by Ugandan cabinet,” Mukundane said.

Betty Amongi, the minister for gender, labour and social development authored a letter addressed to minister for Internal Affairs Gen Kahinda Otafiire, saying cabinet had scrapped off Interpol’s Certificate of Good Conduct as one of the requirements for people seeking jobs abroad except those going to serve in security related companies.

“In lieu, this is to notify you that beginning Wednesday, 13th October, 2021, all categories of migrant workers will not be required to present Interpol certificate as a pre-condition for travel except those traveling for security related jobs as guided by H.E the President and Cabinet,” Amongi’s letter read.

In the letter, Amongi advised Otafiire to direct specific and relevant police officers to implement the cabinet decision at the Airport, border points and Interpol. Senior Commissioner of Police –SCP Charles Birungi, who is the acting director Interpol, said they still have big numbers of applicants for Certificate of Good Conduct.

Birungi said they are currently issues at least 300 certificates every day because embassies need them as requirements for Visa application. However, Birungi there has been a reduction compared to months before the cabinet decision was passed.

“Before we used to issue out over 500 Certificates of Good Conduct but we are now give out over 300 every day. These certificates are not only for migrant workers but they are needed by embassies for people traveling in order to give them Visas,” Birungi said.