The Malagasy government has warned citizens about the dangers of fake job offers for work abroad, particularly to countries like Mauritius, Canada, and Switzerland. These offers can be very convincing, with some even claiming to be from legitimate employers. However, the Ministry of Labor has emphasized that the only way to verify a job offer is through official channels.
One of the most common scams involves fake recruiters asking for money upfront, often in the form of "fees" or "deposits." According to the Malagasy Miray Hina association, some victims have been asked to pay up to 10 million ariary, which is equivalent to more than two and a half years of the minimum wage. In some cases, victims have even sold their properties to pay for the supposed fees.
However, not all fake job offers require payment upfront. Some scammers may offer "free" job opportunities, but with the intention of exploiting the worker's labor. For example, in October 2025, the Malagasy embassy in Beijing reported that 21 Malagasy citizens had been trapped in Cambodia, where they were forced to work long hours for little pay.
The Ministry of Labor has emphasized that legitimate employers will never ask workers to pay for their own travel or visa expenses. In fact, for jobs in Mauritius, the employer is responsible for covering the costs of the worker's passport, medical exam, and plane ticket. Workers should also be wary of offers that require them to work long hours or perform tasks that are not specified in their contract.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, the Ministry of Labor recommends that workers verify any job offer through official channels before making any payments or traveling abroad. This includes checking the Ministry's official website and social media pages for legitimate job postings, as well as registering with the relevant authorities.
In addition to verifying job offers, workers should also be aware of the risks associated with working abroad. According to a report by the police, 222 Malagasy workers who were maltreated abroad returned to Madagascar in 2024. The government has also warned citizens about the risks of working in certain countries, including Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
If a worker has already fallen victim to a fake job offer, they should report it to the authorities immediately. The police have reported that 26 victims of fake job offers have already come forward, and workers are encouraged to keep any documentation or communication with the scammers as evidence. By being vigilant and taking the necessary precautions, Malagasy workers can avoid falling victim to these scams and find legitimate job opportunities abroad.
Key points
- Fake job offers for Malagasy workers abroad often involve upfront payment or exploitation of labor.
- Legitimate employers will never ask workers to pay for their own travel or visa expenses.
- Workers should verify any job offer through official channels before making any payments or traveling abroad.
