Maseru- the Minister Labour and Employment, Mr. Tseliso Mokhosi emphasized that the launch of the National Labour Migration Committee (NLMC) aims to address legal and policy challenges related to migrant workers , particularly focussing on governance and protection of Basotho workers abroad.
This he said, at Lancers Inn hotel on Tuesday in officially launching the Lesotho National Labour Migration Committee.
He mentioned that the committee goals will complement the objectives of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on migration and also establish ties with the National Advisory Committee on Labour (NACOLA) to advance social dialogue.
“The committee will facilitate inter-ministerial cooperation to strengthen Labour migration management and implement recent legislation and policy frameworks such as the Social Act,” he added
Mokhosi furthered that the initiative is crucial for migrant workers facing legal challenges abroad such as Xenophobia and unfair treatment and also provide a framework in safeguarding their rights both home and in destination countries.
However, Ms. Nthabiseng Letsie , Chief Legal officer said there were challenges which include: language barrier, lack of information dissemination, social protection and compensation for occupational diseases and injuries.
Further articulating that with the Labour Migration committee presence the challenges will be curbed.
African Union Commission Mr. Memo Peter Machette informed that as the commission they recognize Labourmigration as development agenda which needs proper Coordination for the benefit for both country of origin and destination to avoid complexities.
He stressed that there is a need for a well focused approach should be adopted to ensure effective, productive committee towards success of safe Labour migration.
“The Labour Migration is in alignment with the African Unions Migration Policy for Africa (MPFA), the SADC Compact Migration Policy (2019-2024), the ILO Conventions Regulating Employment and Labour and the Global Compact for safe, orderly and regular migration,” he said
Machette also mentioned that the commission will stand in solidarity with Lesotho as the AU member state, to ensure for well functionality of the committees as well as proper implementation of policies that cater safe migration.
Representative for Workers, Ms. Motebang Leboela called for more comprehensive, inclusive and strategic migration solutions and humane mobility policies. She also hoped that with the enacted committee they look forward to see Labour migration policies that will benefit all , including informal economy groups as well as disabled persons.
She furthered that regular pathways can make migration safer and reduce unsafe and irregular migration , improve the capacity to identify who enters , transit through and remains in territory. Adding that respond to Labour market contribute to sustainable development thus regulatory safeguards against unethical and exploitive migrant workers recruitment practices that adversely impact job quality, employment conditions , access to decent work and adequate recognition of skills.
The committee structure includes representative from government ministries, Labour expects and migrant associations fostering comprehensive dialogue and solutions for all involved.
