Visa Application
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The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has issued an urgent warning to Kenyan citizens about the rising incidence of fraudulent visa applications and deceptive job offers.
Announced on February 4, the Ministry's advisory emphasizes a growing trend of scams that have resulted in substantial financial losses for many individuals seeking travel opportunities. Recent complaints to the Ministry reveal a concerning increase in cases where citizens have been misled while attempting to secure travel visas to various countries.
In light of this trend, the Ministry has urged Kenyans to apply for visas exclusively through the official channels of the respective countries, whether for employment or leisure travel. Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok reiterates the importance of diligence, particularly for those pursuing employment opportunities overseas.
"It is crucial for individuals to obtain the correct visas directly from the official websites of the countries they wish to visit," the Ministry states.
He advises that visa applications typically do not require the involvement of external agents or organizations and reinforces the idea that the responsibility lies with the applicants themselves. The Ministry also points out the serious ramifications of overstaying visas, which may lead to imprisonment, fines, or deportation as determined by the courts in various jurisdictions.
This warning serves as a critical reminder of the legal risks associated with non-compliance in immigration matters. To assist citizens, the government has instructed Kenya’s 67 diplomatic missions abroad to help verify job offers and conduct thorough background checks. These missions stand ready to support Kenyans planning to work outside the country, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to safeguard their travel plans.
The advisory comes at a time when an alarming number of fraud cases have surfaced, with deceptive recruitment and visa application agencies preying on vulnerable job seekers. A notable incident occurred in September 2024, when a group of job seekers confronted a fraudulent agency after realizing they had been scammed.
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Facebook, have become effective tools for perpetrating these scams, enticing victims with enticing job offers in countries such as Canada, Germany, and Qatar. These misleading advertisements have led many desperate job seekers to part with significant sums, typically between Sh120,000 and Sh140,000, in facilitation fees.