Zimbabwe Government Issues Fresh Warning Over Dangerous Jobs Abroad

Zimbabwe’s Government has issued a fresh warning over criminal networks targeting citizens with fake overseas job opportunities.

The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting said the schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said authorities have repeatedly warned citizens about these dangerous recruitment networks.

However, the Government has renewed its warning as criminals continue targeting desperate job seekers.

Criminal networks target job seekers

According to the Government, criminals are promising lucrative salaries and employment opportunities in foreign countries.

These offers reportedly target citizens seeking jobs in neighbouring countries, the Middle East and parts of Asia.

However, some victims have faced a far more dangerous reality after leaving Zimbabwe.

The Government said some recruits have been deployed to active battlefronts in host countries.

Alarmingly, some reportedly had no prior military training before being sent into conflict zones.

Zimbabwean law strictly prohibits the recruitment of citizens for mercenary activities.

Therefore, the Government has strongly condemned the criminal networks behind these recruitment schemes.

Officials are now urging citizens to carefully investigate international employment opportunities before travelling.

"This is not the first time the Government has issued this warning; however, the escalating sophistication of these criminal networks necessitates renewed vigilance.Unscrupulous criminal networks are increasingly exploiting citizens by promising lucrative salaries and employment opportunities in neighbouring countries, parts of the Middle East, and Asia. Tragically, some recruits have been deployed to active battlefronts in host nations without any prior military training. Zimbabwean law strictly prohibits the recruitment of citizens for mercenary activities. The Government strongly condemns these predatory networks. We implore all citizens, families, and community leaders to remain highly vigilant, exercise extreme caution, and strictly vet all international job offers. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to maintain active awareness of where their children are travelling. Furthermore, citizens who have fallen victim to these deceptive recruitment schemes and find themselves in dire circumstances should make every effort to report their situation to relatives back home or contact Zimbabwean consular services in their respective host countries." Hon Z Soda

— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW)

October 8, 2026

Government urges families to stay alert

The Ministry has also called on families and community leaders to remain vigilant.

Parents and guardians have been encouraged to closely monitor their children’s international travel plans.

The Government says families should know where their relatives are travelling and why.

Citizens should also thoroughly verify employers, recruitment agencies and overseas job offers.

Furthermore, people should exercise extreme caution when recruiters promise unusually high salaries.

The Government has urged victims to seek help if they become trapped abroad.

Victims should first alert relatives in Zimbabwe about their circumstances.

They can also contact Zimbabwean consular services in their respective host countries.

The latest warning highlights the serious risks facing Zimbabweans pursuing employment opportunities outside the country.

Consequently, authorities are urging citizens to verify every overseas job offer before making travel arrangements.

The Government says vigilance could prevent vulnerable job seekers from falling into dangerous criminal networks.

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