Online Reporter
Minister July Moyo
MIGRATION plays a vital role in Zimbabwe’s socio-economic framework, both for individuals coming into the country and those venturing abroad.
The Second Republic, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, has recognised migration not only as an essential activity for individual households, but also as a significant contributor to the nation’s economic growth.
With this understanding, the Government has actively studied and addressed how migration impacts the country’s development across multiple dimensions.
Migration into Zimbabwe
Many Zimbabweans may not be aware that we have a lot of migrants living in the country.
They come into Zimbabwe for several reasons.
There are migrants who come to look for jobs and these are mostly professionals working in various fields.
We have carefully analysed the distribution of these migrants across various sectors and identified their countries of origin.
Among neighbouring nations, Mozambique contributes the largest number of migrants due to its proximity, followed by others such as South Africa.
These migrants not only fill gaps in the local labour market, but also contribute to technological transfer and capacity building.
In some cases, foreign investors bring their own personnel to facilitate knowledge transfer and ensure the success of their operations.
While the Government accommodates such arrangements, it emphasises creating opportunities for Zimbabweans so that they eventually take over these roles.
Then we have migrants who come in as refugees, and these form a significant group in Zimbabwe.
The Government, in collaboration with international organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has provided pathways for refugees to achieve self-reliance.
For instance, at the Tongogara Refugee Camp, the Government has allocated 150 hectares of irrigated land to help refugees sustain themselves.
Some refugees who are professionals fleeing conflict in their home countries integrate into the workforce and continue to practise their professions in Zimbabwe.
Migration out of Zimbabwe
Migration out of Zimbabwe is another key area of focus.
Zimbabweans abroad are predominantly professionals, managers or skilled workers.
These migrants are highly sought after in countries such as South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Recently, a growing number of Zimbabweans have entered the care economy.
They are working in the Middle East and the UK as caregivers and domestic workers.
Recognising the significance of this trend, the Government is working to establish bilateral agreements with host countries to safeguard the rights and welfare of these workers.
These agreements are aimed at ensuring decent working conditions, guaranteeing the portability of pensions and facilitating secure remittance transfers to Zimbabwe.
This is an area we want to work on with the IOM and other agencies to make sure that we look after our people.
But we also have bilateral agreements with individual countries.
The Government has already implemented successful bilateral agreements, such as the deployment of over 100 teachers to Rwanda under a structured framework.
These agreements ensure that workers’ conditions of service, pensions and remittances are secure.
President Mnangagwa’s frequent engagement with Zimbabwean diasporans during international visits underscores the importance of maintaining strong ties with citizens abroad.
Diasporans are encouraged to remain connected to Zimbabwe, contribute skills upon their return and continue sending remittances, which have become the second-largest source of foreign currency for the country.
So, the Government is trying to galvanise the Zimbabwean diaspora to remain patriotic, contribute to the economy of their destination country, and also contribute to Zimbabwe’s economy.
Leveraging multilateral platforms
Zimbabwe is leveraging its leadership roles in regional and international forums to advance migration policies.
As chair of SADC, Zimbabwe is focusing on promoting organised, orderly migration within the region.
This includes establishing reciprocal agreements for pension portability and expanding labour agreements to enhance economic integration across Southern Africa.
Additionally, the country is working with the IOM to strengthen migration policies that protect the rights of migrants and enhance their contributions to economic development.
Pension portability
One area of focus is the portability of pensions for Zimbabweans working abroad.
The Government is using the successful agreement with Rwanda as a prototype to negotiate similar arrangements with other countries.
For example, efforts are underway to address historical cases involving Zimbabweans who worked under the Witwatersrand Native Labour Association (WENELA) in South Africa.
Discussions with South Africa and Lesotho are aimed at securing outstanding remittances and benefits for these workers.
Addressing human trafficking
Zimbabwe has not been immune to cases of human trafficking involving people seeking employment in foreign countries outside the guidelines of proper migration.
Migration, while beneficial, also presents challenges such as human trafficking.
The Government has prioritised educating citizens on the risks of irregular migration and the importance of using reputable recruitment agencies.
Efforts are underway to regulate recruitment agencies and raise public awareness to prevent exploitation.
Collaborations with international organisations like the IOM have facilitated the repatriation of trafficking victims and enhanced measures to combat such incidents.
Right now, we have a situation in Sierra Leone, where our people were recruited there and they are being abused.
While some have returned home, we still have others who are still out there.
We also had a similar case in Kuwait, and we are working with the IOM to repatriate our citizens
Countries like Ethiopia and Kenya now have agreements with Middle East countries to deal with these cases and we are looking at those agreements to see whether we can extend them to Southern Africa and to Zimbabwe in particular.
Assuming ILC presidency
The recent visit by ILO (International Labour Organisation) director-general Gilbert Houngbo to Zimbabwe provided an opportunity to deepen cooperation on labour issues.
He was a guest of our President and we were able to analyse and look at many issues during his visit.
We looked at the issue of social justice for which Zimbabwe is a champion, through our President, who is a renowned champion of social
justice.
We also looked at how we can be funded to make sure that we create decent work for our people.
There was also the issue of labour migration, which was also discussed because the ILO is very much involved in that.
And when we take over the presidency of the International Labour Conference (ILC), we will ensure that we have visibility, we create opportunities and talk to many countries.
As Zimbabwe prepares to assume the presidency of the ILC, the country stands to benefit from increased visibility and networking opportunities with bilateral partners and UN agencies.
Zimbabwe’s tripartite delegation, comprising representatives from labour, business and the Government, will continue to advocate Zimbabwe’s interests on the global stage.
July Moyo is the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. This is an abridged version of his conversation with The Sunday Mail’s Theseus Shambare.
