AfriPulse
The government has warned Kenyans against using tourist visas to seek jobs abroad, urging them to follow official recruitment procedures to avoid being exploited or losing money.
Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime expressed concern over the increasing number of Kenyans travelling overseas on tourist visas in search of employment – a trend he said often ends in disappointment and financial setbacks.
“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.
Speaking in Canada, where he led a delegation to explore structured employment opportunities for skilled Kenyans under government-to-government arrangements, Mwadime said the mission seeks to ensure that Kenyans access safe and legitimate work placements.
He explained that the visit aims to identify official job opportunities available through the Canadian government and credible employers.
“Our objective is to know the official job opportunities available in accordance with the government of Canada,” he stated.
Mwadime voiced concern that many Kenyans have lost their hard-earned savings chasing fake promises of foreign jobs through unauthorized agents or by using tourist visas.
“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.
The PS also cautioned recruitment agencies accused of defrauding job seekers, warning that the government will take firm action against any found guilty of conning Kenyans through false adverts or unverified claims.
“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,” Mwadime warned.
He added that the Labour Ministry is tightening oversight on recruitment agencies to ensure all overseas employment processes are transparent, safe, and beneficial to Kenyan workers.
Beyond creating legitimate job avenues, Mwadime revealed that the government is crafting incentive packages to encourage Kenyans 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.
Source: NairobiWire.com | Read the Full Story…
