Kenyans warned against using tourist visas to seek jobs abroad
The State is concerned by the increasing number of Kenyans travelling overseas on tourist visas in search of work, a practice that often leads to frustration and wasted savings.
Kenyans have been warned against using tourist visas to seek jobs abroad, amid a rise in cases of young people losing money to unscrupulous agents promising overseas employment.
Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime said the State is concerned by the increasing number of Kenyans travelling overseas on tourist visas in search of work, a practice that often leads to frustration and wasted savings.
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“I want to warn young Kenyans that getting a tourist visa does not guarantee you a job in the international labour market. A work permit will guarantee you a job,” Mwadime said.
He expressed concern that many Kenyans have been cheated by agents who promise foreign jobs but disappear with their money. The PS urged citizens to instead follow official recruitment channels to avoid exploitation, financial loss and disappointment.
“Rather than being cheated or hoodwinked by people who steal your money, we should create this official pathway that allows you to access jobs safely and legally,” he said.
He also cautioned recruitment agencies against exploiting job seekers, warning that the government will take strict action against companies found to be defrauding Kenyans.
“We do not want Kenyans to be duped or conned out of their hard-earned money by bogus agencies. They place adverts on social media and deceive our young people about job opportunities abroad that do not exist,” the PS warned.
The PS made the remarks in Canada, where he led a delegation to explore structured employment opportunities for skilled Kenyans through government-to-government arrangements.
He explained that the visit aims to identify official and legitimate job openings available through the Canadian government and reputable employers.
“Our objective is to know the official job opportunities available in accordance with the government of Canada,” he said.
Mwadime revealed that the Ministry of Labour is strengthening regulation and monitoring of recruitment agencies to ensure all overseas employment arrangements are transparent, safe and beneficial to Kenyan workers.
In addition to creating job opportunities, the PS announced that the government is developing incentive packages to encourage Kenyans working abroad to invest back home.
“We desire to come up with packages for Kenyans as they work abroad by ensuring that we give tax holidays so that their investments yield the highest possible returns,” he said.
During his Canadian tour, Mwadime held meetings with deputy ministers, employers and training institutions to establish partnerships and benchmark best practices.
At a leading trucking company in Winnipeg, he announced that at least 100 Kenyan drivers and mechanics would be recruited under new labour mobility partnerships between the two countries.
“This initiative aims to create new employment opportunities and strengthen labour mobility between Kenya and Canada,” he said.
The PS also visited Nova Scotia Community College, where discussions focused on trainer development, certification alignment and establishing articulation agreements for student credentials. Talks further explored expanding opportunities under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
In Manitoba, Mwadime led Kenya’s labour delegation in meetings with Deputy Ministers Michael Jack and Mitchelle Wallace, focusing on creating safe and structured pathways for Kenyan workers.
He also met Manitoba Chamber of Commerce CEO Chuck Davidson and major employers, including the Progressive Group and Manitoba Pork Council, to explore job creation and partnerships for skilled Kenyan labour.
In Toronto, Mwadime held discussions with Chief International Talent Officer Farah Huq to enhance transparent labour mobility pathways and align Kenyan training standards to international requirements.
In Halifax, the delegation met the Construction Association of Nova Scotia to discuss skills development, certification and training for Kenyans preparing for employment in Canada’s construction sector.
A key milestone of the visit was an agreement between the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick (PANB) and the Kenyan government to enhance paramedic training and job placement. The partnership will implement the World Bank’s Global Skills Partnerships model, preparing Kenyan youth for both local and international healthcare roles.
The collaboration will adopt PANB’s education standards while ensuring ethical recruitment aligned with World Health Organisation (WHO) principles. Immediate priorities include reviewing curricula, strengthening instructor capacity, and creating transparent pathways to licensure and employment.
Mwadime reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding structured labour mobility programmes that protect Kenyan workers and ensure mutual benefits for Kenya and host countries.
“Our focus is on creating dignified, well-regulated opportunities that benefit both the Kenyan people and the economies we partner with,” he said.
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