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July Moyo
Correspondent
Over the past few years, there has been a worrying surge in the movement of individuals across borders in search of better prospects.
Labour migration in Zimbabwe has been characterised by many challenges, including brain drain, irregular movement and lack of a mechanism for social protection of migrant workers, leaving our fellow citizens exposed to unethical recruitment practices.
Consequently, some of our own people have been subjected to exploitative and degrading working conditions in the countries they migrate to.
In response to this pressing issue, the Government of Zimbabwe introduced the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) in 2021.
The policy seeks to enhance the management of labour migration, while also safeguarding and empowering migrant workers.
Additionally, it strives to ensure that migration contributes positively to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development.
As part of the NLMP’s implementation, migrant resource centres (MRCs) have been established to provide protection and empowerment to migrant workers.
Given the rising number of individuals being trafficked under the guise of employment opportunities, MRCs play a vital role in addressing such issues and promoting orderly, secure and regulated migration.
What is a migrant resource centre?
It is a physical space where migrants can access a range of services and receive assistance.
The place caters for individuals who are migrating for diverse reasons, including pursuing improved prospects, engaging in overseas education or reuniting with their families.
Furthermore, the MRC also assists incoming foreign workers with valuable information about local procedures and protective mechanisms.
MRCs play a crucial role in promoting managed migration that is safe, orderly and humane. In the absence of accurate information, individuals may turn to unreliable sources such as the media, friends or social networks, putting themselves at risk of falling prey to fraudulent migration brokers and exploitation. It is essential for migrants to be well-informed and empowered to distinguish between misinformation and ethical recruitment practices.
The MRC focuses on raising awareness among potential migrants about the risks associated with irregular migration, legal migration options, rights and responsibilities in destination countries, and the importance of a safe return.
Objectives of MRCs
MRCs can support a number of key policy objectives, directly or indirectly, in the following areas: prevention of irregular migration; facilitation of legal migration; protection of regular and irregular migrants; promotion of sustainable, voluntary return (where relevant); integration of migrants into the country of destination (where relevant); and promotion of the links between migration and development.
Services
MRCs offer a wide range of services to migrants and immigrants, and these include predeparture information, orientation and advice (legal migration rights, employment, integration and study abroad), and training and skills development for migrants.
The centres also offer services for migrants at risk or who have experienced exploitation; reintegration services for returning migrants and information services; and advice about remittances and investment-related services.
MRCs provide services to the full range of potential clients, including migrants, potential migrants, returnees and their families.
There are a number of different ways in which services can be delivered at the MRC.
They include face-to-face individual consultations provided at the MRC; individual telephone information services and hotlines; and web-based information and online services.
The centre also provides outreach services in targeted locations such as colleges, schools or community centres.
Mobile services are also provided in different locations, for example, in rural and remote areas.
The centres also offer referrals to other service providers and specialist agencies.
Visas
However, Zimbabweans should be aware that the MRC cannot secure a job abroad for anyone. It is a resource centre for migrants for information and guidance. It is not a job placement centre or recruitment agency.
In addition, the MRC cannot provide visa facilitation.
However, we can guide you through the necessary steps to get a visa. Additionally, we can provide information on visa requirements of different countries.
All of these services are provided completely free of charge.
Where to find us
Harare Migrant Resource Centre
12th Floor Compensation House, Corner Simon Muzenda Street and Central Avenue.
+263(24) 279087/263(24) 2251288
Bulawayo Migrant Resource Centre
Old Memorial Hospital, Corner 10th Avenue and Lobengula Street Extension.
July Moyo is the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare
Online Reporter