The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
STRENGTHENING legal migration pathways will contribute to the development of the country and help ensure that Vision 2030 of an upper middle income economy is attained as it is in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS1), a Government official has said.
Addressing guests and stakeholders during an ongoing two-day workshop on Ethical Recruitment Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Validation, Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Chief Director, Mr Clifford Matorera who was standing in for the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Simon Masanga, said migration for employment possesses potential developmental opportunities to both countries of origin and destination of migrants, therefore the need to strengthen legal pathways in the country.
The workshop is being facilitated by International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Mr Masanga further expressed concern on loopholes in management of the recruitment processes which result in limited protection of human and labour rights, saying that the development of SOPs will help kill the gap between bogus and authentic players in the recruitment industry.
“If these pathways are not strengthened, the exploitation and abuse of migrant workers will keep happening therefore the need for the development of SOPs for ethical recruitment for both public and private employment agencies,” he said.
The development of SOPs is incorporated as a priority under the NDS1 as the country pursues the attainment of inclusive and sustainable economic development under Social Development Goals and Vision 2030 while focusing on an upper middle income economy.
Also addressing the same gathering, IOM Chief of Mission, Mr Mario Lito Malanca, through the organization’s Migration and Policy Liason Officer, Mr Rangarirayi Tigere reiterated that states should be adequately equipped to provide the necessary support to protect migrants.
“The aspirations of migrant workers is an invaluable asset for Zimbabwe and the SADC region, and we cannot afford to ignore them. Helping them to realize their full potential by gaining access to productive employment is therefore very crucial,” he said.
He further applauded the ministry for its outstanding leadership in the area of labour migration, reiterating that IOM will continue supporting the country in the implementation of the National Labour Migration Policy.
The country is a signatory of the SADC Labour Migration Plan (2020-2025) and has also adopted a National Labour Migration Policy.
