MASO commends labour export deal, but advocates for transparency, accountability in implementation

Migration and Society (MASO) – Mzuzu-based headquartered non-governmental organization devoted to the welfare and human rights of migrants – has commended the Malawi Government on the labour export deal with Israel, stating it is a critical tool for addressing growing levels of youth unemployment in Malawi.

MASO Executive Director Dr. Harvey Chidoba Banda said in a statement released on Wednesday that unemployment in Malawi has become unbearable, especially among the youth who are facing untold socio-economic challenges.

Banda said this is exacerbated by the faltering economy over the past decade and a tumbling currency (the Malawi kwacha) against major currencies such as the US dollar and the euro.

“It is hoped that the labour export to Israel will go a long way in alleviating the financial plight of the beneficiary youth. Furthermore, once properly executed, it will also be a part solution to the foreign exchange shortage that the country is facing. This is because the Malawi Government stands to benefit from the bilateral labour agreement,” he said.

He, however, advised the Malawi Government to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in this deal, stressing that being in a democratic dispensation, Malawians have the right to information.

Banda added that Malawians need to know the terms and conditions of the labour deal.

“They also need to know the perceived benefits to the labour emigrants and their households. In the case of eventualities, what happens to the victims’ families? On selection criteria, how are the youth selected? What mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that Malawians from across the country benefit?

“MASO also hopes that due diligence was done regarding the welfare of Malawian migrant workers during their stay in the destination country. Recently the media has been awash with news of harassment and sexual exploitation of Malawian female migrant workers in the Middle East. What went wrong? Any lessons learnt?”

“MASO is of the view that potential labour migrants should be given all the right information they need about the situation obtainable in the destination area. It is based on this information that they should make informed decisions whether to migrate or not. In short, MASO is for improved and better labour migration governance for the good of all,” concluded the statement.