Kenya and Canada promote legal migration for overseas work

Kenya and Canada have expressed concern over young Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad, urging them to utilize legal migration pathways. This caution comes amid increased interest in overseas jobs and a rise in reported cases of visa fraud.

The concerns were highlighted during a panel discussion on safe, orderly, and regular migration, hosted by the Canadian High Commission in Kenya. The event was timed as Canada prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the United States and Mexico, an event anticipated to increase travel and migration interest while also elevating the risk of exploitation through irregular channels.

Government Regulation of Recruitment Agencies

Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime stated that Kenya’s large youth population presents an opportunity for the government to facilitate access to decent jobs abroad through regulated systems. He cautioned against unregistered recruitment agencies and misleading social media advertisements, noting a reduction in the number of agencies from 1,200 to 600 following a crackdown on firms involved in illegal practices. Mwadime emphasized the potential for Kenyan youth to benefit from opportunities in Europe and America, but stressed the importance of adhering to legal processes.

He warned jobseekers against unregistered agencies and deceptive social media advertisements, highlighting the government’s efforts to tighten regulation of private recruiters. Mwadime clarified that agencies using tourist visas with promises of later converting them to work visas are engaging in false practices, stating that individuals entering as tourists remain tourists. Agencies found engaging in illegal activity are immediately deregistered, with oversight provided by a multi-agency committee including police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and intelligence agencies.

The National Employment Authority website lists licensed recruitment agencies in black and deregistered firms in red, encouraging Kenyans to verify recruiters before making any financial commitments. Furthermore, all foreign job orders are verified through Kenyan embassies before being uploaded to the government system.

Canadian Warnings on Visa Scams

Canadian High Commissioner to Kenya, Joshua Tabah, acknowledged the growing interest among Kenyans seeking to work in Canada but warned of the prevalence of scams. He stated that many well-intentioned Kenyans fall victim to visa scams and fake job offers, leading them towards irregular migration channels. Kenya and Canada are collaborating to combat unethical recruitment practices.

Marie-Pier Côté, Area Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada, emphasized the necessity of proper documentation for working or studying in Canada. Applicants require genuine job offers to apply for work permits, and students must first obtain a letter of acceptance from a recognized institution. Côté cautioned against agents advising applicants to travel on tourist visas with the intention of working, describing such advice as a clear indication of fraudulent job offers. Traveling to Canada on a tourist visa with the intention of working constitutes irregular migration.