Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
ACROSS the vast expanse of oceans and continents, a timeless quest unites the hopeful and the desperate: the pursuit of a better life.
The late reggae legend Lucky Dube’s haunting refrain “The grass is always greener on the other side” echoes through the ages.
Since ancient times, migration has been a cornerstone of human history.
It is against this backdrop that the world will commemorate International Migrants Day on Wednesday.
This annual observance, dating back to 1990, honours the contributions of approximately 272 million migrants, including over 41 million internally displaced persons, and, at the same time, highlighting the problems they face.
Zimbabwe held early commemorations last week, attended by Ms Amy Pope, director-general of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), during her three-day visit to the country.
This year’s commemorations came at a time when approximately 40 Zimbabweans are stranded in Sierra Leone. They are victims of a human trafficking scheme that lured them with false promises of lucrative employment.
This is not an isolated incident for Zimbabwe. Reports of human trafficking emerge almost yearly.
To gain a deeper understanding, this publication tracked one of the victims of a previous scam.
For many, like Emilda Machiridza, a young woman from the Kuwadzana suburb of Harare, the promise of prosperity and greener pastures quickly turned into a nightmare.
Her story began with dreams of a brighter future, lured by the promise of wealth in the Sultanate of Oman.
She had seen advertisements on social media, enticing her with lucrative offers for domestic work — an opportunity she could not resist.
“I thought I was stepping into a better life,” she recalled.
Little did she know that this journey would lead her into a labyrinth of human trafficking, exploitation and despair. Upon arrival in Oman, the stark reality hit hard.
“They took my passport and that of my friend Almar. I was taken to a city I cannot remember to this day; I do not know where they took my friend,” she recounted, her voice trembling as she reflected on the harrowing moments.
The promised salary of US$900 per month evaporated into a life of servitude, where she worked tirelessly under gruelling conditions.
Emilda’s daily life became a relentless cycle of chores, often moving from one house to the other, forced to clean in homes with rooms she could barely keep track of.
“For a week, I worked in over 20 houses, each with an average of 30 rooms,” she
said. The physical and emotional toll was immense, leaving her ill, malnourished and constantly afraid.
“When I got sick, my boss would just give me a pack of Panadol,” she added, a bitter smile crossing her lips.
Despite the horrors, Emilda found a flicker of hope.
She devised a daring escape plan during a shopping trip with her boss.
“I escaped from the car,” she said, her eyes lighting up momentarily at the recollection of her brave act.
But her freedom came at a steep price. Living on the streets, she faced hunger and danger, with one horrifying night punctuating her ordeal.
“A man came from nowhere and raped me,” she said, tears streaming down her face.
Yet, even in despair, Emilda wiped her tears, and said: “It is now behind me.”
Fortunately, Emilda was among 105 victims rescued by the Zimbabwean Government in December 2022, after suffering under virtual captivity for nearly two years.
An investigation revealed that local agents colluded with criminal syndicates, recruiting women like her and subjecting them to slave trade.
Many of the women had their passports confiscated upon arrival. They were forced to endure dreadful working conditions, earning as little as US$60 to US$80 a month.
“From nowhere, some men approached me and led me to where I met my fellow countrywomen,” Emilda said of the events leading to her return home.
But the memory of Almar and countless others still trapped in Oman haunts her.
“I know there are many who are still there, failing to get help. The situation is unbearable.”
Emilda’s story serves as a grim reminder of the human trafficking crisis haunting not only Zimbabwe, but also many other developing countries.
It is a tale woven with threads of resilience, courage and the enduring spirit of the human heart.
Her harrowing account raises pressing questions: What can be done to prevent such atrocities? How can we ensure that the dreams of those seeking a better life do not turn into nightmares?
Experts say this is a call to action; a challenge to governments, organisations and individuals to unite against the scourge of human trafficking.
The United Nations Target 8.7 of the 2030 Agenda calls for immediate measures to eradicate forced labour and modern slavery.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), 28 million men, women and children are affected by forced labour globally, generating illegal profits of US$236 billion every year.
In Zimbabwe, the Government has initiated steps to combat this crisis.
The National Labour Migration Policy, launched in 2021, aims to tackle the challenges faced by migrant workers, including exploitation.
Migrant resource centres have been set up in major cities to provide essential services and support for those seeking overseas opportunities.
Emilda is not alone in her suffering.
The recovery process for her and her fellow victims has been supported by professionals who understand the complexities of trauma.
“The journey was not easy,” said the acting chief director of social development and disability affairs in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Tawanda Zimhunga.
“We had to set up a team to give them the support they needed.”
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo said migrants were an important stakeholder and should be treated with dignity, both by the sending nation, as well as the receiving country.
“We know migration can have a negative impact caused by insecurity, so when
we talk about migration, we are also aware of these negative impacts such as xenophobia and human trafficking,” said Minister Moyo.
Migrants contribute immensely to national development through remittances.
Southern African Migration Management project manager Ms Gloria Moreno Fontes emphasised the need for management of migration.
“We cannot stop migration, but we need to make sure that the process is documented and managed.
“This ensures that both the sending and the receiving nations benefit,” she said.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has escalated its efforts to regularise migration.
This has seen relations between Rwanda and Zimbabwe characterised by increased cooperation in various fields, including political, health, economic and educational spheres.
At least 160 educators left Harare for Kigali in 2022 under an educational personnel and expertise bilateral arrangement between the two countries. According to the IOM’s World Migration Report for 2024, there are over 281 million international migrants worldwide.
Their remittances are a lifeline for millions of families.
In 2023, migrant remittance flows surged from US$128 billion in 2022 to a staggering US$831 billion, accounting for nearly 6 percent of Africa’s Gross Domestic Product.
Intra-African remittances reached US$19,4 billion.
While intra-country remittances from internal migrants are more difficult to track, they also constitute a significant financial flow.
Wenslus Murape
