Kenya Warns Citizens of Sophisticated South Korean Job Scam

The Kenyan government has issued an urgent warning to its citizens about a sophisticated job scam promising lucrative employment opportunities in South Korea, as fraudulent recruitment schemes continue to undermine the country’s efforts to address unemployment through legitimate overseas work placements.

In a statement released on May 8, Roseline Kathure Njogu, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, cautioned Kenyans against a fraudulent recruitment drive allegedly offering positions at “Rural Plus Centres” in South Korea’s Jeollanam-do province, including locations in Haenam, Wando, Jindo, Yeongam, and Jangheung.

“In line with our mandate to safeguard Kenyans abroad, we carried out thorough checks with the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul and South Korean counterparts. The alleged jobs were found to be non-existent,” said PS Njogu in the statement.

A joint investigation by the Kenyan government, the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul, and South Korean authorities confirmed that the companies mentioned in the advertisements had denied any affiliation with Kenyan recruitment or employment efforts and disavowed partnerships with local agencies.

Growing Problem of International Job Scams

This warning comes amid increasing reports of Kenyans falling victim to human trafficking and exploitation through fraudulent overseas job offers.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs noted that a growing number of citizens have been duped into irregular migration after being promised non-existent opportunities abroad.

Just last month, 78 Kenyans who had been rescued from human trafficking rings in Myanmar returned home after weeks of captivity in scam compounds. The successful repatriation effort was spearheaded by the Kenyan Embassy in Thailand.

Prior to this, another group of 48 Kenyans was repatriated from the Thailand-Myanmar border, bringing the total number of rescued victims to over 120.

Returnees have reported harrowing experiences, including torture and forced labor, claiming they were beaten and abused whenever they failed to meet their captors’ demands.

Government Response

Appearing before the Senate earlier this week, Labor Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua addressed the broader issue of overseas employment.

Dr. Mutua clarified that while the government assists Kenyans in finding international jobs, it does not directly offer employment.

The Kenyan government has urged job seekers to verify all opportunities through official ministry channels or directly through the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul.

Authorities emphasized the importance of vigilance, warning that engaging with unverified individuals or agencies could expose citizens to financial loss, exploitation, human trafficking, or other serious risks.

Rising Trend of Sophisticated Scams

In recent years, Kenya has witnessed a surge in fraudulent recruitment agencies exploiting the country’s high unemployment rate and young population eager for better opportunities abroad.

These scammers often pose as legitimate agencies, using flashy advertisements on social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook to target vulnerable job seekers.

The scammers provide fake documents and assign victims to supposed “consultants” who will help them apply for visas.

After payments are made, communication typically ceases.

In some cases, victims receive visitor visas instead of work permits, leaving them stranded abroad with no legal means to earn a living.

Authorities continue to advise citizens to exercise extreme caution and thoroughly verify any international job offers through official government channels before making any commitments or payments.