Government warns against South Korea job recruitment scam
PS Njogu confirmed that the recruitment ads circulating on social media had no official authorization and were part of a scam.
The government has dismissed reports circulating about a job recruitment initiative targeting Kenyans for positions in South Korea, labeling the offers as fraudulent and warning jobseekers to be cautious of deceptive agents.
In a statement released on Thursday, May 8, the Permanent Secretary of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu, confirmed that the recruitment ads circulating on social media had no official authorization and were part of a scam.
The advertisements claimed to offer employment opportunities in "Rural Plus Centres" located in various counties of South Korea's Jeollanam-do province, such as Haenam, Wando, Jindo, Yeongam, and Jangheung.
Amid growing public concern, the Kenyan government, in collaboration with its embassy in Seoul and South Korean authorities, initiated an investigation into the claims.
The inquiry verified that the job listings were indeed fraudulent.
Njogu emphasized, "The State Department, along with the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul and South Korean authorities, has conducted a thorough investigation and confirmed that these offers are not legitimate."
She also noted that the companies listed in the ads had distanced themselves from the recruitment, asserting they had no connection to any Kenyan agencies involved.
The government is now urging Kenyans to verify all overseas job offers through the ministry’s official contacts or directly with the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul.
To prevent exploitation, all individuals seeking employment opportunities abroad should thoroughly research and verify the authenticity of job offers through the relevant government agencies, the PS emphasized.
This cautionary advice follows growing concerns about the rising number of Kenyans falling victim to fraudulent foreign job schemes.
Many have lost significant amounts of money in their attempts to secure positions that, in the end, did not exist.
Appearing before the Senate on Tuesday, May 6, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua clarified that the government does not directly offer jobs abroad but instead facilitates partnerships with reputable employers.
He mentioned that several Kenyans who had secured overseas employment had been unable to travel due to various reasons, such as missing travel documents, personal change of plans, financial difficulties, or failing mandatory health checks.
"Job offers stem from various industries, with the government serving in a supportive capacity, not as a recruiter," Mutua explained.
Given the continued high demand for foreign job opportunities, officials have stressed the importance of job seekers being vigilant, carefully verifying job offers, and steering clear of unapproved recruiters offering fast-track placements abroad.
