By Maximilla Wafula, Sub Editor - The County Diary News
NAIROBI, Kenya September 22, 2026 - The International Labour Organization (ILO) has called for a stronger and coordinated African approach to labour migration, urging governments, employers and workers’ organizations to place decent work, social justice and protection of migrant workers at the centre of upcoming regional dialogue.
Speaking during a tripartite meeting in Nairobi on September 22, ILO Country Director and Special Representative to the African Union and UNECA, Mr. Khumbula Ndaba, said Africa must move beyond declarations and develop practical measures that improve the lives of migrant workers.
The two-day meeting is preparing a common African position ahead of the upcoming African Union-Gulf Cooperation Council Countries, Jordan and Lebanon Labour Migration Dialogue, scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Advancing Fair and Sustainable Labour Mobility between Africa and the GCC+.”
Ndaba said African migrant workers make important contributions to economies across destination countries, particularly in construction, hospitality, agriculture, healthcare, domestic work and the care economy.
He, however, warned that many workers continue to face challenges including excessive recruitment fees, deceptive recruitment, contract substitution, wage theft, unsafe working conditions, discrimination and limited access to justice.
“Migrant workers are workers first,” Ndaba said, stressing that migration status should not diminish workers’ rights.
He called for transparent and accountable recruitment systems and stronger protection throughout the entire migration cycle from recruitment and departure to employment, return and reintegration.
The ILO also urged countries to strengthen labour inspection, occupational safety and health protections, wage protection mechanisms, grievance procedures and social protection systems, including portability of social security benefits.
Gender-responsive policies were highlighted as another priority, with Ndaba noting that women migrant workers are significant contributors to economies and care systems and should be recognized for their skills and agency while receiving adequate protection.
He further encouraged stronger Bilateral Labour Migration Agreements, saying such agreements can support fair recruitment, decent work, labour protection and access to justice when effectively implemented and monitored.
The meeting identified five priority areas: fair recruitment; decent work and access to justice; skills development and labour mobility; social protection and health coverage; and stronger bilateral, regional and interregional cooperation.
Ndaba said a common African position should not seek uniformity but unity around shared principles of rights, decent work, social dialogue, equity and shared responsibility.
He said the success of the Dar es Salaam dialogue would ultimately be measured by tangible improvements in the lives and working conditions of migrant workers.
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