HARARE — Criminal networks are luring Zimbabweans with promises of lucrative jobs abroad, particularly in neighboring countries, the Middle East and Asia, Information Minister Zhemu Soda has warned, as the government tightened safeguards for citizens seeking overseas employment.
Some victims have even been sent to active battlefronts without knowing they would be involved in military activities, he said, describing the schemes as “human trafficking” rather than legitimate military service .
A Deadly Pattern
The warning follows confirmed cases of Zimbabweans trafficked to Russia under the guise of civilian employment, only to be forced into combat in Ukraine. At least 18 Zimbabwean citizens have died, while dozens remain trapped in conflict zones, according to government officials .
Investigations have revealed a consistent pattern: victims are promised jobs as truck drivers, security guards, firefighters or logistics workers, with offers including bonuses of up to $37,000 and monthly salaries of about $4,000. Upon arrival, their passports are confiscated, they receive little to no military training, and they are deployed to the front lines .
“When they are injured, killed or captured, the recruiters vanish, leaving families in Zimbabwe with no information, no support, and no one to hold accountable,” Soda said at a press conference in March .
Zimbabwean law strictly prohibits the recruitment of citizens for mercenary activities .
The “Three Rs” for Job Seekers
To combat the threat, the government is urging job seekers to follow what officials call the “three Rs” before travelling abroad :
Research the agency’s history and registration status through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare portal. All agencies facilitating foreign employment must be registered, vetted and licensed .
Request legally binding written contracts. Job seekers should avoid signing any document in a foreign language without obtaining a translation they understand .
Report any suspicious or predatory behavior to law enforcement agencies. Citizens can contact the nearest police station, the National Child and Vulnerable Persons Hotline on 116, or the Ministry’s toll-free helpline on 1980 .
Prospective migrant workers should also seek consular clearance by contacting the nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate in their destination country to verify the legitimacy of the host employer before making any payments or travelling .
Warning Signs to Watch For
Authorities have identified several red flags of trafficking schemes :
- Large upfront fees demanded by recruiters before departure
- Unrealistic job promises, including instant wealth or positions requiring no experience
- Vague job descriptions or unverifiable employer details
- Foreign-language contracts without proper translation
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Pressure to travel immediately or unsolicited offers via foreign phone numbers and text messages
- Agents operating without a physical office or statutory license
Soda emphasized that the escalating sophistication of criminal networks necessitated renewed vigilance, noting this was not the first time the government had issued such a warning .
Enforcement and Repatriation Efforts
Zimbabwean authorities have made arrests in connection with the trafficking networks. Several suspects have appeared before Harare courts facing human trafficking charges, accused of working with foreign nationals to recruit victims through false promises of well-paying jobs .
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed the government to act with urgency, mobilizing diplomatic and logistical efforts to repatriate the remains of deceased citizens and secure the return of those still alive .
“Those who are trading in the lives of our citizens for profit will face the full wrath of the law,” Soda said .
The government is also strengthening bilateral labor agreements with countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Poland and Belarus to ensure Zimbabweans abroad work under safe, fair and legally binding conditions .
