Zimbabwe Collaborates with IOM to Rescue Citizens Stranded in Sierra Leone

The Zimbabwean government has engaged the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to bring back over 20 citizens stranded in Sierra Leone.

These individuals were misled by human traffickers promising high-paying jobs in the West African country.

A local company and foreign partners orchestrated this deceit, leaving the Zimbabweans in dire straits.

Two victims managed to return last week, immediately taken into protective custody by Zimbabwean authorities.

Their accounts confirmed that numerous others remain trapped, prompting urgent government action.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo addressed the situation in his column in The Sunday Mail.

He disclosed the government’s active efforts to repatriate those still stranded in Sierra Leone.

Minister Moyo highlighted similar issues in Kuwait, where the government also collaborates with IOM for rescues.

He mentioned upcoming agreements with Middle Eastern countries to prevent future trafficking incidents.

Such agreements have proven effective in Ethiopia and Kenya, offering a model for Zimbabwe.

Human trafficking has become a notable concern for Zimbabweans looking for work abroad.

The government is now focusing on educating its citizens about the perils of irregular migration.

Measures include regulating recruitment agencies to protect potential migrants from exploitation.

Minister Moyo emphasized the dual nature of migration: beneficial yet fraught with risks.

The government’s strategy involves public education to combat human trafficking effectively.

Collaborations with international bodies like the IOM have been vital in repatriating victims.

Seven more Zimbabweans returned home last month, adding to the urgency of the situation.

It’s believed that up to 40 Zimbabweans might have been victims of this trafficking scheme.

This incident underscores the need for stringent oversight of international job placements.

The government’s proactive approach aims to dismantle trafficking networks and safeguard its citizens.

Efforts to regulate and monitor recruitment agencies are intensifying to ensure safety.

This partnership with IOM showcases Zimbabwe’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad.

By addressing these issues, the government hopes to prevent similar future occurrences.