The Zimbabwean government has warned job seekers against fraudulent overseas employment offers that could expose them to human trafficking, exploitation and re...
The Zimbabwean government has warned job seekers against fraudulent overseas employment offers that could expose them to human trafficking, exploitation and recruitment into foreign military conflicts.
The warning was issued on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
Information Minister Zhemu Soda urged Zimbabweans seeking employment abroad to verify recruitment agencies and ensure that job offers are supported by valid employment contracts.
According to reports by ZBC News and The Herald, the government said some recruitment networks were targeting job seekers with promises of attractive salaries and employment opportunities in foreign countries, only for some recruits to end up on active battlefronts.
The warning comes amid reports of Zimbabweans who travelled to Russia after being offered civilian jobs but were subsequently recruited into the war against Ukraine.
The government said job seekers should take steps to establish the legitimacy of employment offers before making travel arrangements. It warned that fraudulent recruitment practices could expose applicants to trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
Soda outlined three steps for people considering overseas employment: research, request and report.
Under the guidance, job seekers should research recruitment agencies and verify their registration status, request legally binding written employment contracts and report suspicious recruitment practices to law enforcement agencies.
The government said these measures could help applicants identify fraudulent employment offers before travelling abroad.
The warning follows investigations by Zimbabwean media into recruitment networks allegedly using social media platforms and personal contacts to attract people with promises of well-paid jobs in Russia.
An investigation published by the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE) in February 2026 reported that some Zimbabweans had been approached through online platforms and offered employment opportunities in Russia.
Some recruits reportedly had little or no military experience before being deployed to positions connected to the conflict in Ukraine. The investigation also documented allegations that some people were promised civilian work but later found themselves involved in military activities.
In March 2026, the government announced that 15 Zimbabweans had died after being recruited into the Russia-Ukraine war, while 66 others were reportedly stranded. Authorities said efforts were being made to assist affected citizens.
The cases raised concerns about the methods used by recruitment agents and the risks faced by people who travel abroad without fully understanding the nature of the work being offered.
The government has also indicated that it intends to strengthen measures against criminal networks advertising fraudulent jobs abroad. President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed the issue in his State of the Nation Address on October 2, 2026, highlighting proposed legal measures aimed at tackling trafficking networks.
Authorities have urged Zimbabweans to verify the identity of prospective employers, check whether recruitment agencies are registered and carefully examine contracts before accepting employment outside the country.
The government said suspicious recruitment activities should be reported to law enforcement agencies.
The warning does not apply to all overseas employment opportunities but focuses on deceptive recruitment practices that can expose job seekers to trafficking, forced labour and military recruitment.
Zimbabweans seeking work abroad have been urged to confirm the legitimacy of job offers before travelling and to avoid relying solely on social media advertisements or verbal promises from recruiters.
