Athari Global Workforce Solutions is proud to announce a strengthened partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), further cementing our commitment to ethical, safe, and supported migration pathways for Kenyan health professionals seeking careers in Canada’s developmental services sector.

A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values

The enhanced collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2026, builds on two years of successful cooperation between Athari Global and IOM Kenya. The partnership ensures that all aspects of the migration journey – from recruitment to integration – adhere to the highest ethical standards.

“IOM’s involvement validates our approach and provides an additional layer of protection and support for our candidates,” says Dr. Amina Hassan, Program Director at Athari Global. “Their expertise in migration management and their global network of resources make them an invaluable partner in our mission.”

What This Partnership Means

Under the strengthened partnership, IOM will provide:

Pre-Departure Support

• Cultural orientation sessions for Canada-bound candidates
• Pre-departure health assessments and vaccinations
• Travel logistics coordination and support
• Documentation verification and assistance

Protection and Rights

• Monitoring of recruitment practices to prevent exploitation
• Ensuring transparent fee structures and contracts
• Access to grievance mechanisms and support services
• Regular welfare checks during the first year in Canada

Integration Support

• Post-arrival orientation programs
• Connection to diaspora communities and support networks
• Access to settlement services and resources
• Family reunification guidance and support

Ethical Recruitment Standards

A key component of the partnership is adherence to the International Recruitment Integrity System (IRIS) and the Employer Pays Principle. This ensures that candidates are not exploited through excessive fees or deceptive practices.

“All costs associated with recruitment and relocation are transparently communicated upfront,” explains David Omondi, Employer Relations Manager. “Candidates know exactly what they’re paying for – training, certification, and program support – not for the job itself. The employers cover the costs of work permits, medical exams, and other immigration-related expenses.”

Monitoring and Evaluation

IOM will conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of the Athari program, including:

• Quarterly reviews of candidate experiences and outcomes
• Annual assessments of program impact and effectiveness
• Employer satisfaction surveys
• Research on economic and social impacts of the program

“This level of oversight ensures accountability and continuous improvement,” notes Mohammed Ibrahim, Chief of Mission at IOM Kenya. “It also provides valuable data that can inform policy discussions on labor migration and help scale best practices.”

Global Recognition

The Athari-IOM partnership has garnered international attention as a model for ethical labor migration. In January 2026, the program was featured in a United Nations report on good practices in labor mobility partnerships, and representatives from several African and Asian countries have expressed interest in replicating the model.

“What makes this partnership special is that it’s not just about moving people from one country to another,” says Mr. Ibrahim. “It’s about creating sustainable, mutually beneficial pathways that respect the rights and dignity of migrants while addressing genuine labor market needs.”

Impact on Kenyan Communities

Beyond individual success stories, the partnership is having a broader impact on communities in Kenya. The remittances sent home by Athari graduates support families, fund education for younger siblings, and contribute to local economies. Additionally, many graduates maintain connections with organizations in Kenya, providing mentorship and sharing knowledge gained abroad.

“Migration, when done right, can be a powerful tool for development,” explains Dr. Hassan. “Our partnership with IOM ensures it’s done right – protecting migrants’ rights, supporting their integration, and maximizing the development benefits for Kenya.”

Looking Forward

The enhanced partnership includes plans for several new initiatives:

• Development of a digital platform for candidate tracking and support
• Expansion of pre-departure training to include financial literacy and mental health support
• Research on return migration and circular migration opportunities
• Pilot programs for virtual internships connecting Kenyan students with Canadian organizations

A Call for Ethical Migration

As labor migration continues to grow globally, the Athari-IOM partnership demonstrates that it’s possible to create pathways that are both effective and ethical. The model prioritizes the well-being and rights of migrants while meeting the legitimate needs of destination countries.

“This is how migration should work,” concludes Mr. Ibrahim. “With proper safeguards, transparency, and genuine partnership, everyone benefits. We’re proud to work with Athari Global in showing the world that ethical migration pathways are not just idealistic – they’re practical, scalable, and sustainable.”

For Kenyan health professionals considering international opportunities, the Athari-IOM partnership provides assurance that they’ll be supported, protected, and empowered throughout their migration journey. It’s a partnership that truly puts people first.