On Tuesday, February 4, the government, through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, highlighted concerns over increased incidences of visa application fraud and phony jobs, warning Kenyans not to fall victim to such schemes.
“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs continues to receive complaints from citizens who have been defrauded while applying for travel visas to various countries,” noted the ministry in a statement.
The foreign office urged Kenyans planning to travel overseas for employment or vacation to use the correct routes to avoid being duped.
“It is important that persons seeking to travel to different destinations apply for the correct visas as provided on the official websites of the respective countries,” the ministry stated.
The government emphasized the importance of taking responsibility when traveling overseas.
They also emphasized the importance of an individual in the visa application process, advising Kenyans seeking jobs overseas to conduct “due diligence” before beginning on travel plans.“Visa application is a personal responsibility that does not require the approval of agents or organisations,” it emphasised.
“The Ministry advises persons seeking employment in various destinations on the need for due diligence before embarking on any travel arrangements.”
The Ministry also warned Kenyans about the serious repercussions of overstaying in a foreign country following the expiry of their visas.
“The Ministry cautions that it is an offence under immigration law to overstay the duration of a visa,” it affirmed.
“If arrested, one can be liable to imprisonment or fine as may be determined by the courts of the various jurisdictions. One can also be deported for violation of immigration law.”
The government also urged Kenya’s missions abroad to step up and provide the necessary assistance to Kenyans seeking employment abroad.
“The Ministry advises that all the 67 Kenya Missions abroad remain available to assist in conducting the necessary due diligence on any job opportunities,” it expressed.
The fresh statement comes as Kenyans continue to be deceived by unscrupulous recruiting and visa application organizations.
Despite the state’s efforts to combat the expanding fraud, many people have lost hundreds of thousands of shillings.
In September 2024, a gang of job seekers attacked the offices of a recruitment firm after succumbing to the attraction of high-paying work abroad.
Many of the victims had been persuaded by sophisticated social media ads.
TikTok and Facebook were flooded with videos promoting job opportunities in Canada, Germany, and Qatar.
Victims, who were often desperate for a way out of unemployment, were compelled to pay facilitation costs ranging from Ksh120,000 to Ksh140,000.
