Tourist Visas: The Risky Shortcut Trapping Kenyans Seeking Jobs in Australia

The Australian High Commission in Nairobi has warned Kenyans against fraudulent schemes that promise employment in Australia through tourist visas, cautioning that such arrangements are illegal and often lead to deportation and long-term travel bans.

In an advisory issued on 29 January 2026, the mission said it had identified a rise in organised scams targeting Kenyans seeking work abroad. According to the High Commission, hundreds of people have been misled into believing that travelling on a visitor visa could secure them guaranteed jobs, only to lose large sums of money and face removal from Australia.

Officials said criminal networks are using professional-looking websites, social media adverts and false contacts to pose as legitimate recruiters. Victims are typically asked to pay “processing” or “legal” fees, often sent to personal bank or mobile money accounts. The scammers claim to have inside connections within Australia’s Department of Home Affairs and promise assured visa approval.

The High Commission rejected these claims, stating that only authorised officers can issue visas and that no individual or agency can guarantee a successful application. It said staff at the mission are not permitted to arrange employment or influence visa decisions, and that names used in fraudulent advertisements do not belong to High Commission employees.

The advisory also highlighted wider weaknesses in Kenya’s labour migration system. Despite regulation by the National Employment Authority, unlicensed recruitment agencies continue to operate openly, particularly in Nairobi’s central business district. These agencies often collect money from job seekers before shutting down or disappearing, leaving families with significant financial losses.

Kenyans were urged to verify any job or visa-related communication, with the High Commission noting that official correspondence only comes from email addresses ending in “.gov.au”. Job seekers were advised to check information directly on the Department of Home Affairs website and to report suspected fraud to Kenyan authorities or Australian Government channels.

The High Commission stressed that travelling on a tourist visa with the intention of working is unlawful and exposes individuals to exploitation, detention and re-entry bans. It added that legitimate employers do not charge applicants fees and that lawful overseas employment follows regulated and transparent processes.