The Ministry of International Relations has issued a renewed warning to citizens against fraudulent recruitment schemes that lure unsuspecting job seekers overseas before coercing them into fighting in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
Authorities say there has been a worrying increase in the number of Batswana falling victim to these deceptive operations, with many initially promised legitimate employment opportunities abroad only to find themselves forced into active combat upon arrival in Russia.
The Government cautioned that once citizens enter conflict zones, Botswana’s ability to provide consular assistance becomes severely constrained, leaving those affected exposed to life-threatening conditions.
Officials revealed that the Ministry continues to receive distressing calls from Batswana already deployed on the front line, many describing the harsh realities and dangers they face daily. While government is pursuing every available avenue to assist and facilitate their return home, it stressed that preventing citizens from becoming victims in the first place remains the most effective solution.
It reiterated that no employment opportunity is worth risking one’s life and urged citizens to seek guidance from the Ministry before accepting any overseas offer, particularly where uncertainty exists.
The Government has therefore urged Batswana to exercise extreme caution when considering employment or training opportunities abroad, particularly in countries or regions affected by armed conflict.
It warned that fraudulent recruiters often disguise military enlistment as legitimate civilian employment, targeting individuals seeking better economic opportunities.
Citizens are encouraged to verify all overseas job offers before making any commitments by contacting the Ministry for International Relations through miacprotocol@gov.bw. Verifying opportunities through official channels can help protect prospective travellers from exploitation and ensure that employment offers are genuine and lawful.
It also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and share the warning with relatives, friends and members of their communities to prevent more Batswana from falling victim to the scams.
Among the warning signs highlighted are job offers that do not include clear English-language contracts, recruiters who pressure applicants to travel urgently without proper documentation, promises of unusually high salaries with little information about the employer, requests to sign documents written in unfamiliar foreign languages, sudden changes to travel arrangements that redirect travellers to unexpected destinations, and a lack of transparency regarding accommodation, safety measures or legal protections in the host country.
It reiterated that no employment opportunity is worth risking one’s life and urged citizens to seek guidance from the Ministry before accepting any overseas offer, particularly where uncertainty exists.
