ZIMBABWEAN youths struggling to rebuild their shattered lives and dreams in foreign lands have revealed that life in the diaspora is far from a bed of roses. It is marked by torturous solitude and mental depression.
Prospects of living decent lives have long drawn ambitious youths in Zimbabwe to pursue their dreams in foreign lands, as the country reels under severe economic strain characterised by widespread unemployment.
However, for a growing number, the reality of diaspora life is in stark contrast to the idyllic picture often painted, revealing a taxing existence marked by relentless work, profound loneliness, and mental depression.
Migration is being fuelled by economic challenges, with Zimbabwe's unemployment rates hovering around 90%.
According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, nurses in areas such as New York are making a median pay of US$85 000 per year in 2025.
Like many other African nations, Zimbabwe has a sizable diaspora community.
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Between three and five million Zimbabweans are believed to be living abroad, mostly in South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Nokuthaba Moyo, a photographer who worked on cruise ships, recounts a life of constant motion and minimal rest.
While acknowledging the financial benefits, she agonised over the relentless work schedule.
“Out there, you have to work, so you are always exhausted. Most of us have degrees, but then you end up going on board to scrub toilets, to mop the floors, to be a waiter. We are so educated, but we do not have those opportunities here in Zimbabwe. It is hard to get a stable job that pays well with no connections, so it is better to just go out there and sacrifice the time that you spent four years going to school. You end up being on the same level with someone from Europe who has no diploma whatsoever.
“I wish we had better and more employment opportunities in Zimbabwe so that we can build our own country, rather than letting talent go out there.”
Moyo describes the 12-hour minimum workdays, and the absence of weekends or holidays on a cruise ship.
She said: “Honestly, home is best; I wish we had opportunities back home, just working, being home with family, seeing everyone you love close to you every day.
“You just have to work and focus on what you went out there for and not forget where you are coming from, it is really emotionally and mentally taxing.”
Moyo’s sentiments are echoed by Mellisa Msipha, a former teacher in Poland, who describes living in the diaspora as “one of the toughest experiences” of her life, as juggling work and school left her physically and emotionally drained, a necessity for survival as bills had to be paid.”
While the money is certainly available, Msipha questions its value without a social life or time to enjoy it.
“Living in the diaspora has been one of the toughest experiences of my life, I always knew it would not be easy, but nothing could have prepared me for just how difficult it would be, balancing work and school was the biggest challenge.
“I would rush from classes straight to work, often physically and emotionally drained but there was no other option, bills had to be paid.
She added that the fear of being perceived as failures prevents some from returning home, trapping them in a cycle of loneliness, stress, and exhaustion.
Msipha, given the choice, would choose Zimbabwe, valuing the “peace and community” that even a meagre income back home provides.
She says: “To be honest, many people living abroad are depressed. Some want to return home but are afraid of what people will say.
“Many Zimbabweans end up coming back home because the work culture in Europe is extremely demanding. While European countries have systems in place to support mental health, the day-to-day reality is often different.”
Johnmore Makova, a driver in Canada said: “Living in the diaspora may be fun. However, we are isolated, you are in a foreign land with no friends or family to talk to, that is the therapy we take for granted.
“You realise that you can spend a day without saying a single word, you go to work and come back with no one you talk to,” Makova said.
Samantha Nyakudya, a nail care specialist in Saudi Arabia, offers a similar perspective on the financial façade at the expense of the emotional and mental well-being.
“I came to Saudi Arabia this year in March and I am already suffocated, l was almost raped by a client, and l am being mistreated daily.
“What people do not know is that I cry myself to sleep every day,” an emotional Samantha, said.
Despite the travails endured by the youth, many young Zimbabweans continue to flock to foreign lands in pursuit of better lives.