Somalia Pushes for Harmonised Labour Migration Policies at Regional Forum in Uganda

GOOBJOOG NEWS|KAMPALA: Somalia has called for stronger regional cooperation to regulate labour migration and protect workers’ rights, as it joined ministers from across East and the Horn of Africa at a high-level forum in Uganda.
The Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Somalia, Saalim Aliyo Ibro, represented the Federal Government at the 7th Regional Ministerial Forum on Migration (RMFM), held in Kampala. The gathering brought together labour ministers and policymakers to align strategies on cross-border employment and labour mobility.
The regional forum focused on harmonising labour migration policies and establishing a coordinated framework to ensure that worker movement across East and the Horn of Africa is safe, orderly, and consistent with international labour standards.
During the discussions, Minister Ibro participated in key sessions addressing systemic challenges in labour migration, including irregular migration, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited protection mechanisms for migrant workers. Delegates also explored long-term strategies aimed at improving governance, expanding employment opportunities, and strengthening labour rights across the region.
Speaking at the forum, the minister underscored the economic and social significance of well-managed labour migration.
“Labour migration is an important opportunity that must be properly managed to drive economic growth, safeguard workers’ rights, and create sustainable employment environments,” he said.
The meeting comes amid increasing labour mobility within the region, driven by economic disparities, youth unemployment, and demand for skilled and semi-skilled labour across borders. Regional leaders are seeking to standardise policies to minimise exploitation, enhance legal migration pathways, and maximise the developmental benefits of workforce movement.
Somalia’s participation signals its commitment to engaging in regional solutions and aligning its labour migration policies with broader frameworks aimed at fostering economic integration and social protection.