adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
THE government has opened a labour Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) in Beitbridge which will offer advisory information to people before they leave the country to seek employment in other countries, mainly South Africa.
The centre, which is located in Dulibadzimu suburb, was constructed by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) at a cost of $90,000. It was handed over to the government a fortnight ago.
On Wednesday last week, the Department of Labour assumed the leading role in the centre’s management and the IOM is expected to provide technical support.
Acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Social Services, Grace Maramba confirmed the development yesterday.
“Our staff started operating from the new migrant resource centre last week following an official handover of the furniture and infrastructure by our partners IOM.
“The migrant resource centre focuses more on giving information to potential migrant workers on entry requirements, types of permits they can apply for and the labour market and other related issues in their intended country of destination” she said.
Maramba said they will be addressing issues around labour disputes resolution, labour’s compliance with legislation and the promotion of industrial harmony.
The centre has five offices and there is a borehole that was donated by IOM.
IOM Chief of Mission, Martin Ocaga said the MRC would go a long way in reducing irregular migration through the provision of safe migration information and services.
Ocaga said they’re shifting their support for Zimbabwe from being humanitarian oriented to a developmental approach.
“We will be expanding our developmental programme to high migrant sending areas.
“In this regard, IOM will collaborate with the government of Zimbabwe in addressing the root causes which act as push factors behind the high prevalence and incidences of irregular migration from the predominantly high migrant sending areas” he said.
Online Reporter