Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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The Kenyan government has issued a serious advisory for citizens considering travel to Malaysia, citing growing concerns regarding fraudulent travel agencies that offer false employment opportunities.
This warning follows numerous reports received by the Kenyan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, detailing incidents of Kenyans who have been abandoned in Malaysia after being lured there under deceptive pretenses.
These unscrupulous agencies are reportedly exploiting Malaysia’s 30-day visa-free entry policy, leading to circumstances where individuals have overstayed their visas and incurred substantial fines.
The High Commission has underscored that the visa-free entry arrangement, which is based on a bilateral agreement, must not be misused. In an official statement, the Commission urged Kenyans planning to stay in Malaysia for more than 30 days to obtain a valid visa to avoid legal complications, which may include imprisonment or additional fines.
The High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur emphasizes the importance of thoroughly vetting any travel plans and employment offers before making commitments. This advisory arises amid an uptick in the number of Kenyans travelling to Malaysia, drawn by the conveniences of the visa-free policy for short stays and the recent launch of direct flights between Nairobi and Kuala Lumpur.
"The High Commission is dedicated to assisting in the verification of job offers in Malaysia and other accredited countries," notes the High Commissioner, reinforcing the need for due diligence in international travel decisions.
However, this increased mobility has been overshadowed by a rise in fraudulent activities targeting unsuspecting travellers. The cautionary message echoes a previous warning issued in October when the Kenyan government advised against travel to Myanmar due to reports of human rights violations.
In that case, ten Kenyans had been reportedly sold to criminal cartels and subjected to forced labour. Despite interventions by the Kenyan government to secure their release, the cartels demanded compensation, asserting they had purchased the individuals. The Kenyan Embassy in Myanmar faced significant difficulties in rescuing the victims due to the perilous conditions under which they were held.