Somalia has taken a significant step towards managing its complex migration issues by conducting a National Consultation Workshop on the Development of Labour Migration Policy and Action Plan. Held from June 11-13, 2024, in Mogadishu, this event aimed to validate a situational analysis report and gather critical insights for developing Somalia’s first comprehensive labour migration policy. Organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) programme, this workshop marks a crucial milestone in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to manage migration flows and protect migrant workers’ rights.
The workshop’s primary objective was to develop a labour migration policy that addresses the significant migration flows in the Horn of Africa, largely driven by conflict, insecurity, natural disasters, and economic challenges. In 2023 alone, Somalia reported over 1.2 million new internally displaced persons, highlighting the urgent need for effective migration management. Despite these efforts, the absence of a dedicated labour migration policy has hindered the Somali government’s ability to protect and promote the rights of migrant workers fully.
During the workshop, various stakeholders, including representatives from ministries, social partners, migrant workers, academia, and the banking sector, engaged in participatory discussions to develop key policy priorities. The collaborative approach aimed to foster a comprehensive and inclusive policy development process. H.E. Mr. Yusuf Mohamed Adan, State Minister of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, emphasized the importance of these collaborative efforts in his opening remarks, appreciating the partnership with the ILO and other social partners in advancing the labour migration agenda in Somalia.
The two-day workshop improved participants’ knowledge of the ILO Practical Guide on developing labour migration policies and validated the situational analysis report. Participants defined priority areas, values, mission, goals, and implementation arrangements for Somalia’s labour migration policy. Additionally, cross-cutting themes, monitoring and evaluation, communication strategies, and financing opportunities were agreed upon. This feedback is crucial for developing a comprehensive labour migration policy and action plan that promotes safe, orderly, and regular labour migration while protecting migrant workers’ rights.
The Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on June 13, 2024, further solidified the progress made during the workshop. Key presentations and updates on the BRMM programme and other migration-related initiatives in Somalia were shared, followed by a Q&A session. The active participation and collaboration of various stakeholders ensured a robust and inclusive process, laying a strong foundation for protecting the rights of migrant workers and promoting safe, orderly, and regular labour migration in Somalia.
While these developments are commendable, it is essential to critique the Somali government’s overall approach to labour migration and its broader governance issues. Despite the progress made in developing a labour migration policy, the Somali government has historically struggled with effective governance, corruption, and insecurity. These challenges continue to undermine efforts to manage migration effectively and protect migrant workers’ rights.
The Somali government’s reliance on international organizations such as the ILO to drive critical initiatives raises questions about its capacity and commitment to independently address migration issues. Moreover, the government’s focus on policy development must be matched with concrete actions and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the protection of migrant workers’ rights. Without addressing these underlying governance issues, the impact of the new labour migration policy may be limited.
Furthermore, the Somali government must prioritize addressing the root causes of migration, such as conflict, insecurity, and economic challenges. While developing a comprehensive labour migration policy is crucial, it is equally important to create a stable and secure environment that reduces the need for migration in the first place. This requires a holistic approach that addresses both the symptoms and root causes of migration.
