Mombasa: Seven countries in East Africa and the Horn of Africa (EHoA) have met in Mombasa, Kenya, to discuss ways that would protect migrant workers and ensure that labour migration promotes social development in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the stakeholders focused on the use of social dialogue to tackle issues affecting migrant workers, strengthen regional cooperation, share best practices, and provide strategic guidance on labour migration governance.
Speaking in Mombasa, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua highlighted the government’s efforts in passing bills to ensure favourable labour migration policies. He warned against crooked agencies that lure individuals with the promise of overseas employment, emphasizing a forthcoming vetting process for all agencies involved in international labour migration. The Ministry plans to publish a list of vetted and registered agencies, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Mutua urged individuals to be cautious and conduct due diligence when approached by agencies offering overseas jobs. He advised potential job seekers to verify agency credentials with the National Employment Agency and conduct thorough research before making any financial commitments. The government, he assured, would take legal action against agencies that fail to return money to individuals who do not travel.
To further safeguard migrant workers, Mutua announced plans for government-provided training for those traveling abroad, ensuring they are well-prepared and informed about their rights and responsibilities. He stressed the importance of vigilance, warning that engaging with unregistered agencies increases the risk of being defrauded.
The government has also initiated bilateral agreements to negotiate terms that protect migrant workers. Mutua noted the necessity for collaboration and social dialogue among stakeholders to preemptively address potential issues.
International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director General Gilbert Houngbo emphasized that labour migration is a significant driver of economic and social development in the EHoA region. He cited the 2022 ILO estimates, which reported 167.7 million migrants in the global labour force, underscoring the challenges faced by migrant workers, including weak governance, unfair recruitment practices, and limited access to social protection.
The third Labour Migration Advisory Group (LMAG) meeting, part of the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) phase two programme (2022-2026), was organized by the ILO and co-funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The meeting aimed to enhance social dialogue and improve labour migration governance in the EHoA region.
The event, themed ‘Enhancing the role of social dialogue in improving labour migration governance in East and the Horn of Africa’, brought together 45 senior officials and regional counterparts, including entities such as the African Union Commission (AUC), East African Community (EAC), and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), among others. The workshop emphasized the importance of tripartite collaboration to ensure labour migration contributes to sustainable development in the region.
