Emmanuel Kafe
CheckPoint Desk
GOVERNMENT has tightened safeguards for Zimbabweans seeking employment abroad, requiring job seekers to verify recruitment agencies, secure legally binding contracts and report suspicious agents before travelling.
The measures are part of a renewed drive against increasingly sophisticated recruitment syndicates accused of luring Zimbabweans with fake jobs before subjecting them to exploitation and human trafficking.
Addressing the media this morning, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said prospective migrant workers should follow the “three Rs” research, request and report before committing to any overseas job offer.
“Research the agency history and registration. The second R stands for request legally binding written contracts. Then the third R is report any suspicious or predatory behaviour to law enforcement agencies,” he said.
The Government has repeatedly warned citizens against fraudulent recruitment, but Dr Soda said the changing tactics of criminal networks required renewed vigilance.
“This is not the first time that the Government has issued this warning. However, the escalating sophistication of these criminal networks necessitates renewed vigilance,” he said.
The syndicates are targeting job seekers with promises of lucrative employment in neighbouring countries, the Middle East and Asia.
In some cases, victims have reportedly been deployed to active war zones without being aware beforehand that they would be involved in military activities.
“Tragically, some recruits have been deployed to active battlefronts in host nations without any prior military awareness,” Dr Soda said.
Zimbabwean law prohibits the recruitment of citizens for mercenary activities.
Under the new safeguards, job seekers have been urged to verify the licensing and legal status of recruitment agencies through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare before making payments.
They should also avoid agents demanding substantial upfront fees, providing vague job descriptions or unverifiable employer details, and those without a physical office or statutory licence.
Job seekers have further been warned against signing contracts written in foreign languages without obtaining a translation they understand.
Dr Soda said unrealistic promises of instant wealth or jobs requiring no experience should also be treated as red flags, while unsolicited offers made through foreign telephone numbers or text messages should be approached with caution.
The Government is also urging prospective migrant workers to obtain consular clearance before travelling.
“Prior to making any payments or travelling, contact the nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate in your destination country to verify the legitimacy of the host employer,” Dr Soda said.
Travellers have been advised to carry physical and digital copies of their passports and visas, maintain emergency contacts and keep at least US$200 in reserve for emergencies.
Parents and guardians have also been urged to know their children’s travel plans and destinations.
Dr Soda said victims of deceptive recruitment should immediately alert relatives or contact Zimbabwean diplomatic missions in their host countries.
“Human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights and national security. The Government remains fully committed to dismantling these criminal operations and protecting our citizens,” he said.
Citizens can report suspected recruitment scams at the nearest police station, through the National Child and Vulnerable Persons Hotline on 116 or the Ministry’s toll-free helpline on 1980.
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