Foreign and Diaspora affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has warned Kenyans to conduct due diligence before travelling abroad for job opportunities. 

Mutua said this even as he revealed that his ministry is working closely with that of labour to weed out crooked employment agencies. “Don’t just rush because you have found an opportunity. Do serious research about the country and the job you are being offered. Once you decide to go abroad for employment, please stick to the terms of your contract. Should you find another job and decide to walk out of the contract, follow the right procedure to avoid conflict,” he said.

Distress calls

Mutua who spoke during a working tour in Mombasa said the government is concerned by persistent reports of Kenyans’ working in the diaspora sending out distress calls for help on account of their employers turning against them. “We are really concerned. Some of the incidents are heart-breaking but as a government we are really working hard to deal with all rogue agencies,” he said.

 The cabinet secretary said whereas the majority of Kenyans working abroad had proven to be good ambassadors he expressed concerns that negative cases involving the less than one percent remain a threat to the quest to send many for opportunities.

 Mutua said while the government appreciates the positive role private recruitment agencies play in the migration cycle, some were operating unethically and illegally. “The Ministry of Labour will continue to register those agencies who meet their registration requirements, but those who do not meet the requirements, will also be given time to comply. However, for those who want to operate in the underworld, your days are numbered because the government will soon catch up with you and appropriate action will be taken against you,” he said.

 Other solutions lined up to aid Kenyans living in Saudi Arabia include setting up a joint technical team of Kenyans and Saudi Arabian Government officials to fast-track labour issues, including the issue of exit visas.

 Last month cautioned citizens against falling victim to job scams after it emerged that rogue agents are luring people with the promise of jobs in Southeast Asia then end up trafficking them.