Mines flagged in under-declaration of expatriates salaries

The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has raised alarm over what it calls a growing trend of salary and employment under-declaration by mining companies, particularly in relation to expatriate workers.

ZDAMWU general-secretary Justice Chinhema said the practice, which involves some mining firms understating the salaries, benefits, and even the number of foreign employees, represents a serious violation of the country's labour and tax laws.

"Reports coming from our members of expatriate employees in the sector having their earnings under-declared are worrisome," Chinhema said. "This is a disturbing trend that undermines our highly qualified Zimbabwean workforce and violates our labour laws."

He accused some companies of deliberately misrepresenting expatriate remuneration to evade tax obligations and statutory contributions, warning that such actions deprive the country of critical revenue for national development.

Chinhema also criticized the unequal employment practices, noting that many expatriate workers are granted long-term contracts, while local employees are often hired on short-term, fixed contracts.

"This conduct fosters unfair competition within the labour market, marginalising Zimbabwean workers who are equally and, in many cases, better qualified," he said. "We reiterate the need to strictly limit expatriate employment to cases where skills are genuinely unavailable locally."

The union demanded that all mining companies accurately declare expatriate salaries and benefits, issue proper payslips reflecting true earnings and statutory deductions, and fully comply with work permit and labour regulations.

Chinhema emphasized that decent work is a fundamental right, encompassing fair pay, proper safety equipment, and safe working conditions.

"ZDAMWU is committed to working with government to monitor compliance and hold all offending employers accountable," he said, adding that the union would vigorously oppose the exploitation of local workers and the excessive hiring of foreign labour.

Zimbabwe's mining sector has seen a surge in foreign-owned operations, particularly Chinese-run ventures, many of which employ large numbers of expatriate workers. Industry insiders say these workers are often paid significantly more than their local counterparts — a disparity that continues to fuel discontent among local mineworkers.