Zimbabwe Launches Innovative Migrant Resource Centre, Pioneering Safe and Informed Migration
Zimbabwe has taken a groundbreaking approach to migration governance with the launch of innovative Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) in Bulawayo, aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of migrants.
In a landmark event held in Bulawayo, Hon. K. Kazembe, the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, and Dyane Epstein, Regional Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), expressed their appreciation for the collaborative efforts and highlighted the significance of inclusive migration policies.
The Migrant Resource Centre represent a unique whole-of-government strategy, highlighting the government’s commitment to effective migration management. Minister Kazembe acknowledged the involvement of various ministries, departments, and agencies in handling migration issues and stressed the significance of the National Migration Policy, which aligns with SDG target 10.7. The policy promotes orderly, safe, and responsible migration through well-managed policies, including the Labour Migration and the Diaspora Policy.
Hon. Kazembe stated, “The launch of these Migrant Resource Centres is a testament to a true whole-of-government approach to migration governance. Proper management of migration issues is vital for the success of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and for ensuring that migration brings positive benefits to the country.”
Regional Director of the International Organization for Migration, Dyane Epstein, applauded Zimbabwe’s leadership in addressing the challenges faced by migrants and promoting safe and orderly migration.
She emphasised the importance of inclusive migration policies and highlighted the significance of the Migrant Resource Centre in providing migrants with independent and impartial information and guidance.
Epstein stated, “IOM’s approach and priority interventions are hinged upon the promotion of a whole-of-government approach, a whole-of-society approach, and a whole-of-migrant approach to programming and migration management.”
The National Migration Policy addresses a wide range of aspects, including diaspora cooperation, governance, dignified treatment of migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), asylum seekers, and the role of civil society in migration management. The Migrant Resource Centres, launched under the National Labour Migration Policy, aim to bridge information gaps and complement existing efforts to facilitate safe and orderly movement of people.
To encourage regular migration within and outside the country, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has implemented measures to improve citizens’ access to proper documentation. These initiatives include the decentralisation of passport offices, simplifying the process of obtaining national documentation for migrants. Additionally, the ministry is streamlining the application process for essential documents by introducing online applications, facilitating business transactions for both domestic and overseas Zimbabwean citizens.
Minister Kazembe acknowledged the concerning rise in cross-border movement, which has exposed some citizens to exploitative and slave-like working conditions in destination countries. The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage is actively combating transnational and organised crimes such as human trafficking, working to identify and track fraudulent recruiters involved in these illicit activities.
“We will stop at nothing to make sure our citizens are protected from these criminals,” assured Hon. Kazembe. He urged the public to report any incidents related to human trafficking, emphasising the collective effort required to combat this issue.
In her address, Dyane Epstein emphasised the importance of a comprehensive approach to migration management and called for collaboration among policymakers and stakeholders. She urged participants to support the Migrant Resource Centre and its holistic approach to labour migration governance, in line with the National Development Strategy 1.
The launch of the Bulawayo Migrant Resource Centre represents a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of migrants. These innovative centres will provide migrants with crucial information, support, and protection, promoting a more organised and secure migration process. With the government’s dedication and collaborative efforts, Zimbabwe aims to enhance the safety and welfare of migrants while fostering a conducive environment for orderly migration.
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