Somalia, ILO Push for Safer Overseas Jobs and Stronger Protection for Migrant Workers

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia is seeking to make overseas employment safer and more accessible for its workers as the government works with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to strengthen labour migration policies and protect Somalis seeking jobs beyond the country’s borders.

The initiative aims to improve the systems governing labour migration, ensure workers have access to reliable employment information and promote recruitment practices that meet international labour standards.

The discussions took place during the sixth meeting of the Labour Migration Technical Committee in Mogadishu, organised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in partnership with the ILO, under a programme funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

For many Somalis, employment opportunities abroad offer the prospect of better incomes and financial support for families back home. However, navigating overseas labour markets can present challenges, particularly when workers lack reliable information about recruitment procedures, employment contracts and their rights in destination countries.

The government’s latest efforts are intended to strengthen protections for migrant workers while creating clearer and more orderly pathways to employment.

Somalia’s Labour and Social Affairs Minister emphasised the importance of cooperation between the government, workers and employers in developing an effective labour migration system that safeguards workers’ rights and supports sustainable employment.

The meeting also examined ways to improve coordination among government institutions, trade unions, employers and international partners, alongside efforts to strengthen labour migration information services.

Such cooperation is considered important in ensuring that workers understand the conditions of employment before travelling and have access to information that can help them make informed decisions about overseas job opportunities.

The initiative forms part of Somalia’s broader efforts to develop a labour migration framework that promotes safe, orderly and regular migration while supporting economic growth and sustainable employment.

The programme is being financed by the UK government through the ILO, reflecting continued international support for Somalia’s efforts to improve labour governance and employment opportunities.

Although the meeting outlined priorities for cooperation and policy development, no specific new bilateral labour agreements or overseas employment quotas were announced.