The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has issued a warning about rising cases of visa fraud and fake job offers abroad.
In a statement released on February 4, 2025, the ministry highlighted the increasing number of complaints from citizens who have fallen victim to fraudsters while applying for travel visas.
To prevent further cases of fraud, the ministry urged travelers to apply for visas only through official government websites of their intended destinations.
"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.
"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. Visa application is a personal responsibility that does not require the approval of agents or organisations," the statement read.
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Additionally, the government advised job seekers looking for employment opportunities abroad to exercise caution before making any travel arrangements.
"The Ministry advises persons seeking employment in various destinations on the need for due diligence before embarking on any travel arrangements," the statement added.
The ministry also reminded Kenyans of the legal consequences of overstaying their visas in foreign countries.
"The Ministry cautions that it is an offence under immigration law to overstay the duration for a visa. If arrested, one can be liable to imprisonment or a fine as may be determined by the courts of the various jurisdictions. One can also be deported for violation of immigration laws," the statement further read.
To assist citizens in verifying job opportunities abroad, the government reassured the public that Kenya’s 67 diplomatic missions worldwide remain available to provide due diligence services.
"The Ministry advises that all the 67 Kenya Missions abroad remain available to assist in conducting the necessary due diligence on any job opportunities," the statement concluded.
This comes about two weeks after The High Commission of Kenya in Kuala Lumpur has issued a warning to Kenyans against falling victim to fraudulent job opportunities in Malaysia.
In a statement on Thursday, January 23, the High Commission noted that unscrupulous recruitment agencies are taking advantage of the 30 days of visa-free entry but end up leaving unsuspecting job seekers stranded and abandoned.
"The attention of the High Commission has been drawn to the recent surge in the number of Kenyans being lured to travel to Malaysia in the pretext of securing job opportunities which turn out to be non-existent.
"The unscrupulous recruitment agencies/individuals are taking advantage of the 30 days visa-free entry but end up leaving the unsuspecting Kenyans stranded and abandoned, laden with costs of return air ticket and overstay fines," the statement read in part.
