Delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Tuesday, Mnangagwa said the Bill will protect citizens from criminal networks exploiting people through fraudulent employment offers.
The proposed legislation comes amid growing evidence of Zimbabweans being recruited to Russia on the promise of civilian work, with some later ending up fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“Of significance is the Trafficking in Persons Bill, which seeks to protect innocent citizens from transnational syndicates advertising non-existent jobs abroad,” Mnangagwa said.
“Government is aware of the need to respond to emerging criminal justice trends as well as public security and regulatory challenges.”
The Bill is part of a raft of legislation lined up for the Fourth Session of the Tenth Parliament, which the President said was designed to tackle emerging threats through prevention, control, enforcement and coordination.
“These are intended to tackle the undesirable scourge threatening our nation,” he said.
Among the other Bills is a cluster of health-related laws. The National Healthcare Provision Bill will seek to strengthen healthcare delivery and promote equitable access to services.
The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council Bill will be brought before Parliament to review the existing law and strengthen governance around reproductive health.
The proposed Medicines and Allied Substances Control Bill will tighten the regulation of medicines, medical products and allied substances. Other health-related Bills include the Medical Research Bill, the Food and Food Safety Bill and the Mental Health Bill.
Mnangagwa said the Red Cross Society Amendment Bill will also be aligned with current national circumstances.
On drug abuse, he said the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill was awaiting formal introduction in Parliament.