Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has reassured the public about the safety of Zimbabweans living and working in the Middle East, following recent tensions in the region sparked by a conflict between Israel and Iran.
At the same time, the ministry has raised the alarm over a fraudulent online recruitment scam falsely claiming to offer jobs at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Kenya in exchange for payment.
In two separate statements, the ministry’s spokesperson and director of public diplomacy, communications and advocacy, Mrs Philisiwe Chidawanyika, confirmed that all Zimbabwean citizens who had reached out to the country’s embassies in the Middle East were accounted for and confirmed safe.
“We are closely monitoring the developments in the Middle East,” she said.
“I want to assure the public that Zimbabwean citizens who contacted our embassies in the affected countries are accounted for and confirmed safe.”
Mrs Chidawanyika said Zimbabwe remained committed to protecting its citizens abroad in line with Section 35 (3) of the Constitution, which guarantees the rights and protection of citizens wherever they may be.
She added: “The ministry remains committed to this obligation through the provision of consular services, repatriation and evacuation support during distress situations.”
Mrs Chidawanyika also encouraged Zimbabweans living abroad to register with the nearest Zimbabwean Embassy to ensure the Government can swiftly intervene when necessary.
Meanwhile, the ministry has warned of a fraudulent Facebook page — “Zimbabwe Embassy Kenya” — set up on June 14, 2025, that is advertising fake job opportunities.
Administrators of the page are advertising non-existent embassy job opportunities and demanding US$375 from applicants for a fake “Africa Regional Labour Accreditation Certificate”.
“This is a scam. The Facebook page in question does not represent the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Kenya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, or the Government of Zimbabwe,” added Mrs Chidawanyika.
She warned the public not to fall prey to such online schemes and said all recruitment into Zimbabwe’s public service was managed solely by the Public Service Commission.
“No money is ever requested at any stage of the recruitment process,” Mrs Chidawanyika said.
“We encourage members of the public to verify any job offers for opportunities in foreign countries with our ministry or Zimbabwean embassies.”
The warning comes amid a surge in online fraud targeting job seekers across Africa.
