Kenya Warns Citizens of Fraudulent Job Offers in South Korea

The Kenyan government has issued a strong advisory cautioning its citizens against a surge in fraudulent job offers purportedly located in South Korea. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that these scams target Kenyans seeking overseas employment, focusing on non-existent positions within "Rural Plus Centres" across the Jeollanam-do province. According to Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, these employment opportunities are not genuine. She emphasises that the Ministry, alongside the Kenya Embassy in Seoul and South Korean authorities, conducted extensive investigations, revealing that the advertised jobs are bogus. 

The companies listed in the job offers have no affiliation with registered recruitment agencies in Kenya. The advisory arrives amidst growing concern over elaborate schemes that exploit the desperation of job seekers. Fraudsters often demand upfront payments for placement fees and visa processing, leaving victims stranded and financially drained upon discovering the deceit. This alarming trend has been particularly prevalent concerning job prospects in Asian countries.

Njogu has warned that such fraudulent operations pose significant risks, including financial losses, exploitation, and the potential for human trafficking. She urges Kenyans to verify the legitimacy of overseas employment offers through official government channels before engaging with any employment agency. Those seeking clarification can contact the State Department for Diaspora Affairs or the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul.

Additionally, the Kenyan Embassy in Thailand has alerted citizens to the global expansion of organised criminal networks, particularly those connected to Chinese mafia operations based in Myanmar. These networks are increasingly involved in job scams, necessitating increased vigilance. The Embassy stresses the importance of exposing fraudulent entities to prevent further exploitation.

Kenya has encountered several cases of citizens falling victim to deceptive overseas job offers, preying on the economic aspirations of those seeking opportunities abroad. This recent warning follows a notable increase in reported incidents, prompting the government to strengthen measures to protect its citizens from such scams.

Government agencies are intensifying efforts to raise awareness and provide accessible avenues for job seekers to verify employment offers before making any financial or legal commitments. Njogu has urged Kenyans to prioritise verification through official channels over relying solely on recruitment agents. Authorities are urging job seekers to remain vigilant, ensure thorough verification, and take proactive measures to avoid falling victim to deceitful recruitment agencies.