The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning to Malawians over the existence of fake and fraudulent overseas job opportunities.

In a statement, signed by its spokesperson, Charles Nkhalamba the ministry says it has noted with concern the increase in number of Malawians who have fallen victim to scams that promise job opportunities but lure them into labor, sexual and other forms of exploitation.

The Ministry of foreign affairs has expressed concern over increased cases of fake job opportunities operated by what it calls as the transitional criminal organizations primarily using social media platforms.

The ministry says Malawians that have been recruited through these means have ended up being subjected to degrading, inhumane and life-threatening situations, placed in camps guarded by armed groups and having their passports and identification documents confiscated.

"In order to prevent this kind of exploitation, the Ministry would like to advise members of the public to always contact the Ministry to
assist with vetting international recruitment agencies and job opportunities, including those found on online platforms," reads the statement.

Following the development, the ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and security agencies has instituted standard operating procedures to assist Malawians who have found unskilled labor opportunities abroad in order to protect the victims from exploitation.

Robert Mkwezalamba who is a labour expert, has called on the ministry of labour to do a vetting of labour export agencies in the country to deal with the challenge.

He says exploitation of the job seekers is due to the country’s economic status.

"We have foreign missions in Malawi, they need to verify with them if such entities that are recruiting are real. We also need to enhace the capacity of our ministries to protect the citizenry," said Mkwezalamba.

Recently, several women were repatriated from Oman where they faced numerous forms of exploitation.