Kenyans warned against fake job agencies exploiting Malaysia 30-day visa-free policy
Moru said the 30-day visa-free entry is based on a bilateral arrangement of reciprocity, calling on Kenyans to respect the agreement by observing the law.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has warned the public about unscrupulous job agencies taking advantage of the 30-day visa-free entry into Malaysia to swindle Kenyans.
In a statement from Kenya's High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, the Ministry further asked Kenyans to regularise their stay by obtaining a valid visa to avoid being charged for overstays and other related offences.
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"Please be advised on the need for due diligence before embarking on any travel arrangements. The High Commission remains available to assist in conducting the necessary due diligence on any job opportunities in Malaysia or countries of accreditation," read the notice from High Commissioner Ekitela Moru.
Moru said the 30-day visa-free entry is based on a bilateral arrangement of reciprocity, calling on Kenyans to respect the agreement by observing the law.
"This is to caution that any overstay case is an offence under the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155), and if arrested, one is liable for up to six months imprisonment or a fine as may be determined by the court," he warned.
The advisory comes amidst a growing number of reports about Kenyans being lured by promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad, only to discover that they do not exist.
According to Citizen TV, more than 300 individuals were swindled out of millions of shillings in December 2024 by a company called Divexpa Limited, which promised to land them diverse opportunities across Arab nations like Somalia, Libya, and the UAE.
"Once these conniving conspiracies come to an end, victims often find themselves stranded, facing hefty fines for overstaying, or burdened with the costly expense of return travel," noted the statement from the high commission.
This is happening even as the government rolls out its Kazi Majuu programme, which, according to President William Ruto, has seen over 240,000 young people travel overseas for state-sponsored employment opportunities.
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