The Kenyan government has issued a stern warning to citizens against travelling overseas on tourist visas in search of jobs. Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime cautioned that using tourist visas to seek employment often leads to financial loss and exploitation.
Speaking during his official visit to Canada, PS Mwadime emphasised that a tourist visa does not guarantee employment, unlike a work permit, which provides legal access to the international labour market.
“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,” he said.
Mwadime is leading a Kenyan delegation to Canada to identify structured and legitimate employment opportunities through government-to-government arrangements. The initiative seeks to connect skilled Kenyans with reputable employers while ensuring transparent and ethical recruitment processes.
He expressed concern that many Kenyans have been lured by unlicensed agents promising non-existent jobs abroad. “Rather than being cheated or hoodwinked by people who steal your money, we should create official pathways that allow you to access jobs safely and legally,” Mwadime added.
The PS further warned recruitment agencies against fraudulent practices, noting that the Ministry of Labour is enhancing regulation and monitoring to ensure all overseas employment arrangements are transparent and beneficial to Kenyan workers.
As part of his visit, Mwadime announced new partnerships with Canadian employers, including a deal that will see at least 100 Kenyan drivers and mechanics recruited by a leading trucking company in Winnipeg.
The visit also yielded a major milestone an agreement between the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick (PANB) and the Kenyan government to train and place Kenyan paramedics under the World Bank’s Global Skills Partnerships model.
Mwadime concluded by urging Kenyans abroad to invest back home, revealing that the government is developing incentive packages, including tax holidays, to support diaspora investments.
