The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has raised concerns over the rising number of complaints from Kenyans who have fallen victim to fraud while applying for travel visas to various countries.
In a statement on February 4, 2025, the ministry urged travelers to apply for visas only through official government websites and warned against relying on agents or organizations.
“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,” read the statement in part.
“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 emphasized that visa application is a personal responsibility that does not require the approval of agents or organisations.
Kenyans Warned against Fake Jobs and Visa Application Scams
It also noted that overstaying a visa is an immigration offence that could lead to imprisonment, fines, or deportation, depending on the host country’s laws.
“The Ministry cautions that it is an offence under immigration law to overstay the duration for a visa,” the statement read further.
“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.”
Also Read: Senior Govt Official Who Earned Ksh4.6 Million with Fake Papers Arrested
Additionally, Kenyans seeking employment in various destinations abroad were advised to conduct due diligence before making any travel arrangements.
The statement further reassured citizens that Kenya’s 67 diplomatic missions worldwide are available to assist in verifying job opportunities.
“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 added.
This comes after a report revealed that more than 300 individuals were swindled out of millions of shillings in December 2024 by a company called Divexpa Limited.
The company had allegedly promised to land them diverse opportunities across Arab nations like Somalia, Libya, and the UAE.
The government in August 2024 flagged about 16 recruitment agencies which were found culpable of violating the law following complaints from Kenyans.
Also Read: Ruto Announces New Kenyan Digital Nomad Visa
Tips to Avoid Visa Scams
- Be Wary of Unrealistic Promises – Avoid websites or agents that guarantee visa approval or offer unusually fast processing times.
- Beware of Unsafe Payment Requests – Never provide sensitive financial or personal information via email or unofficial channels.
- Check for Contact Information – Fake websites often lack verifiable contact details; always verify before proceeding.
- Be Suspicious of Unsolicited Contact – Ignore emails, phone calls, or messages about visas you didn’t apply for.
- Don’t Give Out Original Documents – Genuine government agencies may request certified copies but will not keep your original documents.
- Research the Caller – If someone contacts you for personal details, verify their identity through official sources.
- Report Suspicious Activity – Inform your bank of any fraudulent payment requests and report scams to the police.
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