Story by Panashe Nagoli
GOVERNMENT has called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states to strengthen labour migration governance frameworks to respond to evolving global migration trends and better protect migrant workers.
The call was made at the Regional Tripartite Workshop on Enhancing Labour Migration Governance, underway at the African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC) in Harare.
The five-day workshop, running under the theme, “Adapting Policies and Technical Assistance to Evolving Migration Dynamics,” has brought together governments, employers and labour representatives to discuss policy responses to changing migration patterns.
Labour migration remains a major driver of global mobility, fuelled by economic disparities, demographic shifts and employment opportunities, with millions crossing borders in search of work and better livelihoods.
Deputy Secretary General of South Africa’s Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA), Mr Ashley Benjamin said migrant workers’ rights must be protected.
“The situation occurring in South Africa right now is truly regrettable because the dignity and rights of migrant labour should always be respected. As FEDUSA, we are always engaging government to strengthen migrant labour governance, and we are here to echo the same sentiment.”
Executive Secretary of the Sierra Leone Employers Federation, Mr Albert Ojo Ulric Collier said regional cooperation would strengthen labour migration systems.
“In Sierra Leone, we have developed an International Labour Migration Framework and are now at the implementation stage, but it has not been easy. When governments come together like this, we will definitely improve.”
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), migrant workers account for 4.7 percent of the global workforce, underscoring the need for equal treatment and stronger labour protections.
ILO Senior Labour Migration Specialist Mr Theo Spareboom said migrant workers should enjoy the same rights as local employees.
“At the ILO, we believe migrant labour should be respected and treated the same way as domestic labour. There is a need for governments in the region to ensure their rights are equally protected.”
Guest of honour, Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Honourable Mercy Dinha urged governments to adopt inclusive, rights-based migration policies, particularly for undocumented migrants.
“It is far easier for governments to provide services and protections to documented migrants. Yet undocumented migrants, who often outnumber those with proper documentation, remain part of our societies and economies. Effective labour migration governance must acknowledge their presence and ensure rights-based protections extend to all workers, regardless of status, so that no one is left behind.”
