adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
ZIMBABWE and South Africa have launched a joint information guide for locals working in the neighbouring country aimed at reducing irregular migration and improving workers’ rights.
The programme is being spearhead by the International Labour Organisation.
The launch was held at a Beitbridge hotel on Monday and representatives of labour unions and senior Government officials from both countries attended.
The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mr Ngoni Masoka said the launch was in line with the Global Action Programme that is aimed at addressing some of the challenges faced by migrants.
He said South Africa had become a major destination for Zimbabwean migrant workers, with most females working as domestic workers.
“According to the ILO, domestic workers comprise a significant part of the global workforce. We are talking of tens of millions of women and girls around the world who work in private households for one or more employers and often without clear terms of employment,” he said.
Mr Masoka said in most cases the rights of migrant domestic workers are violated, hence the need for the Government to intervene.
He said the information guide will provide potential migrants with reliable information on labour migration issues.
Mr Masoka said the information guide will be made available at all ports of entry and at related Government and labour related offices.
derick.khumalo