‘Be Cautious!’ Gov’t Warns Kenyans In Lebanon Of Scammers As Evacuation Plans Underway
The government has warned Kenyans who are stranded in war-torn Lebanon that scammers are targeting them.
According to the government, as the conflict between Lebanon and Israel escalates, unscrupulous individuals are exploiting the vulnerable by making false promises of evacuation for a fee.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has warned that fraudsters using specific phone numbers are charging Kenyans for bogus rescue services.
βWe urge all Kenyans currently in Lebanon to be cautious and avoid paying any fees for evacuation,β the ministry emphasised.
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— State Department for Diaspora Affairs | Kenya (@Diaspora_KE) October 4, 2024
βThe governmentβs evacuation services are free of charge, and any reports of individuals requesting payment for such assistance should be immediately reported.β
The ministry also provided emergency contact information for reporting suspicious activities or seeking assistance, directing Kenyans to contact the Kenyan Embassy in Kuwait or email consular@diaspora.go.ke.
The situation in Lebanon has deteriorated as Israeli airstrikes continue to target Beirut, with Thursday’s bombing causing significant damage near the international airport.
Explosions were reported near Hezbollah strongholds, and media reports indicate that senior Hezbollah officials were targeted.
As the violence escalates, the Kenyan government has set an 11-day deadline for citizens of Lebanon to register for evacuation.
The deadline of October 12 is critical for securing a spot in government-led rescue operations, which are entirely funded by the state.
Many Kenyans, particularly domestic workers, have been trapped in Lebanon without access to their passports, which have been confiscated by employers.
The ongoing hostilities, combined with economic instability, have made it nearly impossible for them to flee the country without government assistance.
The Ministry expressed concern about the low number of registrations so far and encouraged Kenyans to act quickly. Failure to register by the deadline will mean missing out on vital evacuation efforts.
βTime is running out,β the Ministry warned, βand the situation in Lebanon is becoming more dangerous by the day.β
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There are approximately 26,599 Kenyans living in Lebanon, working primarily in the domestic and hospitality sectors.
Many people traveled there under an agreement with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, but the sudden outbreak of violence has put them at the mercy of ongoing government evacuation efforts.
The Ministry has stated that the online registration process is now a lifeline for those looking for safety.
Citizens are encouraged to contact the government directly at the following emergency numbers: +96590906719, +96171175006, or +254114757002.
‘Be Cautious!’ Gov’t Warns Kenyans In Lebanon Of Scammers As Evacuation Plans Underway
