The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has warned Zimbabweans against rising cases of deceptive recruitment practices that are exposing job seekers to human trafficking syndicates operating locally and across borders.
In a statement yesterday , the Ministry said criminal networks are increasingly targeting desperate job seekers with false promises of lucrative employment opportunities in South Africa and countries in the Middle East,only for victims to end up in situations of forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation and document confiscation.
“Government warns citizens against a surge in deceptive recruitment practices leading to human trafficking. Criminal networks are luring job seekers with false promises of lucrative employment in South Africa and the Middle East.
Victims are instead subjected to forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, and confiscation of travel documents,”added the Ministry.
The Ministry said the impact of trafficking is severe, affecting not only victims but also families, communities and the nation at large.
“Victims suffer physical abuse, psychological trauma, financial loss and stigma, while families endure emotional distress, debt from recruitment fees and uncertainty.
Communities lose trust as youth become vulnerable and criminal networks thrive, while the nation’s international reputation suffers and critical sectors lose skilled workers,” the statement read.
It urged the public to be alert to warning signs associated with fraudulent recruiters.
“Members of the public must beware of recruiters who demand substantial upfront fees and refuse refunds, provide vague job descriptions, pressure individuals to depart immediately, offer contracts in languages they do not understand, promise instant wealth or no experience required, lack a physical address or statutory licence, or contact people unsolicited from international numbers,” said the Ministry.
The Ministry encouraged citizens to take precautionary measures before accepting employment offers.
“Verify recruitment agencies through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare website, apply the ‘3 Rs.’ Research the agency, Request written contracts, and Report suspicious offers consult embassies before making payments, use official Government job portals, and travel prepared with copies of passports, emergency contacts and emergency cash,” the Ministry said.
The statement also warned that trafficking is not limited to cross-border movement.
“Domestic trafficking is also real. It occurs in homes, streets and workplaces and does not require movement, only control. Awareness is prevention,” the Ministry added
Meanwhile Zimbabwe has strong legal and institutional measures in place, including the Trafficking in Persons Act of 2014 and a National Action Plan built on prevention, prosecution, protection and partnership to combat the crime.
