The Australian High Commission in Kenya has issued a warning against fraudulent schemes falsely claiming ties to its officers for jobs and visas. It described the advertisements as misleading and targeting vulnerable job seekers aiming to migrate to Australia. The alert comes amid a rise in migration-related fraud in Kenya.
The Australian High Commission in Kenya issued an official advisory on Thursday, January 29, 2026, cautioning the public against misleading advertisements claiming that its officers can help secure jobs or visas for Australia. The statement declared, “Any employment advertisement claiming that an officer at the Australian High Commission can assist with securing a job or obtaining a visa for Australia is fraudulent. Do not engage.” The commission stressed that no staff member is authorized to arrange job placements or handle visa applications on behalf of individuals. Those named in the ads are not commission employees, and interacting with them risks financial loss, identity theft, or other exploitation. “Officers at the Australian High Commission are not authorised to facilitate employment opportunities or assist with visa applications,” it added. Official emails from the mission always end in .gov.au, and the public should report any dubious agencies promising Australian opportunities. Services are provided solely through the commission's website and verified visa centers. Kenya has experienced a surge in migration fraud over the past decade, with victims losing tens of thousands of shillings to scammers offering guaranteed overseas jobs. The Labour Ministry recently identified over 116 fraudulent agencies that duped Kenyans into job scams abroad. Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua advised job seekers abroad to stay alert and verify if the ministry has approved the recruiting agency. This warning arrives as online scams targeting Kenyans for opportunities in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom proliferate. Fraudsters leverage social media and messaging apps to peddle fake job offers, often requiring upfront payments for visa processing. Authorities have noted that some imposters pose as diplomats or foreign officials, using forged emails, letterheads, and social profiles to build credibility. Beyond monetary damage, victims face misuse of personal data for identity theft or further crimes. The commission urged reporting suspicious activities to local authorities or official Australian government channels. The alert coincides with growing legitimate migration to Australia, especially via skilled worker programs. Australia's Department of Home Affairs offers clear guidance on visa eligibility, applications, and lawful job pathways, which the public is encouraged to use. The commission advised relying only on verified sources and scrutinizing any unsolicited job or visa offers demanding advance payments.
