Member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are pushing for improved working conditions for migrant workers and the establishment of a single visa regime to ease labour mobility across the region.
Speaking during the 3rd IGAD Ministerial Conference on Labour, Employment, and Labour Migration held in Nairobi, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu emphasized the need to address the plight of millions of citizens from the Horn of Africa who face exploitation while seeking employment abroad.
“Every year, millions of our citizens seek work in the Middle East, the Gulf, and beyond. Yet too many, driven by despair, risk deadly routes like the Red Sea, which has claimed over 3,400 lives in the last ten years,” said Gebeyehu. “As IGAD, we must secure fair conditions for our workers abroad and create jobs at home so our people can thrive where they belong.”
The conference, which brought together labour ministers and delegates from IGAD’s eight member states, Kenya, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda focused on promoting bilateral labour agreements and strengthening policies to protect migrant workers.
Kenya’s Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua urged member states to work together to eliminate disparities in remuneration and treatment of migrant workers.
“I encouraged delegates to propose actionable strategies that strengthen institutional capacities, enhance data sharing, and promote inclusive growth that leaves no community behind,” said Mutua.
The leaders also pledged to intensify efforts to combat human trafficking, which has increasingly affected citizens from the region, especially in countries such as Russia and Myanmar.
Among the key proposals discussed was the creation of a single visa regime for IGAD member states to facilitate efficient and effective labour movement.
Delegates noted that such a system would enhance regional integration and ensure workers enjoy better protections and opportunities.
The two-day conference is expected to lay the groundwork for stronger bilateral labour agreements, promote fair employment practices, and safeguard the rights of millions of migrant workers from the IGAD region.