Malawi Foreign Affairs Ministry Warns of Fake Overseas Job Scams

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong warning to the public about the rise in fake and fraudulent overseas job offers that are targeting Malawians through social media and informal recruitment networks.

In a statement released on September 10, the Ministry expressed concern over the growing number of Malawians who have fallen victim to scams that promise lucrative job opportunities abroad but instead subject them to exploitation, including forced labour, sexual abuse, and even coercion into criminal activities.

“These scams are operated by transnational criminal organizations that use social media platforms and, in some cases, recruitment agents or friends to lure unsuspecting individuals,” the Ministry said.

Reports indicate that Malawians recruited through such schemes have been placed in life-threatening situations, with some detained in camps guarded by armed groups, stripped of their passports and identification documents, and subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment.

To protect citizens, the Ministry has advised the public to always verify job offers and recruitment agencies through official channels before pursuing opportunities abroad. It emphasized that the Government of Malawi, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, and Security Agencies, has set up standard operating procedures to safeguard Malawians seeking unskilled employment outside the country.

“These procedures are designed to protect Malawians from becoming victims of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, while also helping them detect fraudulent employment offers,” the statement noted.

Members of the public have been encouraged to report suspicious job offers and seek guidance from the Ministry. Inquiries can be directed to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, P.O. Box 30315, Lilongwe 3, or via email at foreignaffairs@foreignaffairs.gov.mw, with attention to Mr. Charles Nkhalamba.

The Ministry concluded its statement by urging Malawians to remain vigilant and take advantage of government services available to protect their lives and resources.