50 more Malawians stranded in Middle East
Ministry of Labour says about 50 Malawians who travelled abroad last year to seek for better jobs are stranded in the Middle East.
In an statement dated January 6 2023, signed by Secretary for Labour Wezi Kayira, the ministry noted with concern the proliferation of Malawians traveling abroad to seek employment without following procedures.
The ministry noted that most of the migrating Malawians travel abroad without either relevant documents or knowledge of conditions of employment offered to them.
Reads the statement in part: “Those with valid documents, working as domestic workers, are usually subjected to; hard labour, various forms of abuse including violence, harassment, sexual abuse and long hours of work without rest and leisure.
“Government has further noted that such migrating Malawians are being enticed by illegal labour export recruiters that may be agents of human traffickers.”
Following the increased number of Malawians stranded in Middle East countries, government says migration to the countries will be subject to thorough vetting, which may take up to 14 working days to safeguard their lives.
Reacting to the development in an interview yesterday, labour law expert Mauya Msuku noted that the labour market in Malawi is low and not rewarding; hence, the proliferation of Malawians flocking to Middle East countries for green pastures.
In a separate interview, Human Rights Consultative Committee chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba faulted government for failing to assess the performances and operations of its foreign missions.
He said Malawi seems to have no guidelines on what type of work Malawi officials in foreign mission are supposed to do.
In November 2022, government adopted Guidelines for Harmonisation of Travel Clearance for Purposes of Labour Export.
Among others, the guidelines seek to promote coordination and cooperation among ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) involved in labour export.
