By Ziyah News Reporter
The sudden appearance of job vacancies specifically targeting Zimbabweans returning from South Africa has raised a question many unemployed citizens are asking: if jobs are available now, why were they not advertised to everyone before?
A growing number of unverified vacancy notices circulating on social media and WhatsApp groups appear to show major employers seeking to recruit returnees, sparking accusations that companies are sidelining local job seekers who have spent years searching for work.
The issue has ignited debate online, with critics arguing that the adverts expose an apparent contradiction in Zimbabwe’s labour market.
While unemployment remains high and many companies have downsised or operate below capacity, opportunities seemingly reserved for returnees have suddenly emerged.
X user @mncedisi_mengu was among those questioning the development.
“We’re suddenly seeing several Zimbabwean companies advertising jobs specifically for returnees from South Africa. I’ve counted at least five already. So where were these opportunities for people who were already here looking for work?”
Others echoed the sentiment, suggesting the vacancies have raised more questions than answers about employment opportunities in the country.
“That was my burning question too! For a country with high unemployment due to companies closing or operating at low capacity, how did this ‘hidden’ jobs suddenly come out of hiding?” wrote @Ash_Tawa.
Some social media users speculated that companies may be responding to a potential influx of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa as immigration and work permit policies tighten.
Others suggested employers could be seeking workers with experience gained outside the country.
However, critics argue that if genuine vacancies exist, they should be open to all qualified Zimbabweans rather than a specific group.
Not everyone agrees. Supporters of the initiative argue that returning migrants face unique challenges and require targeted support to reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives.
“The truth is majority of people that have been here are not employable against the returnees, besides the people returning need these opportunities to help them settle and reintegrate,” wrote Tinashe D. Chinomona.
Another user, @Kagisano_, dismissed criticism of the vacancies as misplaced.
“Don’t be xenophobic against your own people,” he responded.
Labour experts say targeted recruitment programmes are not uncommon during periods of large-scale migration, particularly when governments and businesses anticipate an increase in returning citizens.
However, they note that such programmes can become controversial in countries where unemployment is already widespread.
The companies whose names have been linked to the circulating adverts had not publicly explained the rationale behind the alleged returnee-focused vacancies by the time of publication.
Likewise, no official policy requiring employers to prioritise returnees has been announced.
As debate continues, the controversy has highlighted a broader challenge facing Zimbabwe: balancing the reintegration needs of returning migrants with the expectations of thousands of unemployed citizens still searching for opportunities at home.