Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director General Mr Gilbert Houngbo has stressed the importance of addressing labour migration issues in a manner that benefits all concerned parties.
He was briefing journalists after meeting President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare this Tuesday.
The ILO is primarily mandated with overseeing the formulation of international policies and programmes that improve working and living conditions as well as enhance employment opportunities.
Mr Houngbo has engaged various organisations since he arrived in Zimbabwe on Sunday and capped his visit with a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa.
He disclosed that among other issues the head of state insisted on continued dialogue between the labour organisation and various departments within the country.
“What we have insisted on and I’m very glad the Head is State has insisted on a lot is the importance of continued dialogue in a very positive manner. It is important to remain focused on the mandate,” he said.
Responding to questions on labour migration and possible brain drain, Mr Houngbo said it is important to consider the benefits for countries whose workforce is working in other parts of the world.
He stressed the importance of a win-win situation between developing and developed countries in terms of labour movement.
“It’s important to establish a balanced way in terms of brain drain. I don’t think that we should look at it in such a way that developed countries are trying to take away; it’s a matter of what is our interest, what is the interest of Zimbabwe and what is the interest of the country of destination and how do you come to a balancing act. Let’s keep in mind that Zimbabwe benefitted from US$2 billion in remittances coming from the diaspora through the labour migrants.”
He added, “On the flip side, it’s important to deal with the issue of brain drain and we have historically been saying that brain power is the comparative advantage of Zimbabwe and making sure we don’t end up by brain drain. What we all agree on is the importance of having a circular labor migration rather than a brain drain, so the issue is an important one. Other countries, including Zimbabwe, have a need of the brain power. By the same token, we should not look at it as a negative situation as people always move. How do we ensure there is a win-win situation and we believe that through bilateral talks involving the trade unions, involving employer organisations, is the way forward.”
The International Labour Organisation has a membership of 187 states and its tripartite structure gives an equal voice to workers, employers and governments.
