By Simbarashe Muparaganda
Bulawayo, (New Ziana)- Migration Resource Centres (MRC) recently established in Harare and Bulawayo by the government and its development partners to assist potential migrants with information regarding safe migration have so far assisted 882 individuals, an official said.
In an interview on Thursday, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Simon Masanga said beneficiaries comprised potential migrants who were seeking information regarding safe migration routes, as well as assistance with return and reintegration.
He said the centres’ mission was to help curb cases of human trafficking which have continued to affect Zimbabweans locally and abroad. Additionally, Masanga said, the facilities have been providing free access to computers and the internet for students preparing to study abroad.
The setting up of MRC`s follows a surge in cases of human trafficking across the globe as modern technology was now driving trafficking operations, with traffickers increasingly using online platforms such as dating apps, social media and encrypted messaging to recruit and exploit victims.
According to United Nations estimates, at least 27 million people worldwide are currently victims of human trafficking. “In addition to our Migrant Resource Centres, the Ministry has set up reception centres in Plumtree and Beitbridge, which are also providing support to migrants and communities in border regions.
“These centres offer essential services, such as documentation assistance, health screenings, and counselling,” he said. Masanga said the centres in both Harare and Bulawayo have proven to be highly effective in the fight against human trafficking by offering essential support for potential migrants.
“The centres have supplied migrants with precise and timely information regarding safe migration practices, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about their migration strategies,” he said.
New Ziana
