MUTARE- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is supporting the government of Zimbabwe workshop focused on Strengthening government and society 's Capacities in Ethical Recruitment. The activity, funded, by the IOM International Development Fund (IDF) is part of a project that recognises that the National Labour Migration Policy affords an opportunity for the Government of Zimbabwe, to work in coordination with civil society, unions, and the private sector, to play a vital role in the process of regulation, implementation, and monitoring of recruitment practices. As such the project is aimed at addressing government’s capacity constraints by promoting and facilitating ethical and transparent recruitment practices in a rights-based and migrant-friendly manner, in line with international labour standards. This will be achieved through the development of an action plan and roadmap on reform measures aimed at strengthening the recruitment industry and through sensitization on international labour standards and recommendations including the Montreal Recommendations on Recruitment, as well as third party verification schemes, including International Recruitment Integrity System (IRIS) Standard.

To contribute to the achievement of these objectives IOM yesterday supported government in launching a 3-day workshop which will improve recruitment regulations under the National Development Strategy (NDS1) which prioritizes the development of Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) for the recruitment of Zimbabweans in the diaspora and enhance the capacity of the GoZ to move towards attainment of SDG goals specifically SDG 8 which seeks to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. On day one, after presentations on the labour migration situational context and labour migration frameworks, participants were trained on IRIS principles which include respect for laws and fundamental principles and rights at work. Day one of the workshop was attended by 67 Participants (32F/35M) from Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs (TiP Secretariat), the Gender Commission, Employment Council, Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, 26 Private Employment Agencies and ILO.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, IOM Zimbabwe Chief of Mission Mario Lito Malanca said, “It is commendable that the Government of Zimbabwe acknowledges the critical nature of this issue and are taking decisive actions to advance ethical recruitment in labour migration, firstly through the adoption of the National Labour Migration policy, which offers coherent strategies for addressing labour mobility issues. He added that IOM will continue to support member states in the implementation of the Global Compact on Migration and specifically objective 6 on Fair and Ethical Recruitment. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr. Simon Masanga said, “It is key for government to underline the importance of strengthening legal migration pathways to enhance the positive contribution of migration to the development of the country”. He added that government’s priority is to robustly strategize on how to protect jobseekers particularly migrant workers from the unscrupulous activities of recruiters. This he said will be achieved through developing a robust national plan of action and the development of standard operating procedures for ethical recruitment for both public and private employment agencies. The workshop concludes tomorrow.