Israel labour deal delays worry MPs

There is fear that Malawi may lose out on the labour export deal with Israel due to bureaucracy here at home to conclude a government to government agreement.

What heightens the fear are reports from international news agencies that countries such as India are also eyeing same opportunities in Israel. According to Al Jazeera India has started exporting labour to Israel and intends to provide tens of thousands across sectors.

Sources within government who are part of the team working on the agreement say there is ‘unnecessary infighting’ among ministries wanting to lead in this labour deal.

In the battle line, according to our informants, are ministries of foreign affairs, labour and finance who are all key in the implementation of the labour export arrangement.

A delegation report presented in the national assembly on Thursday by the Chairperson for the Public Appointments Committee (PAC)Joyce Chitsulo, recommended that the Ministry of Finance should lead in this deal since it is an economic matter.

The report also recommended for expedited processes to have the bilateral labour agreement signed as soon as possible.

In an interview yesterday Chitsulo said as members of parliament they are aware of the infighting among MDAs that is delaying finalisation of the government to government deal.

Said Chitsulo: “Actually we have noticed these delays. I think there are people who want to sabotage the vision of the President and the country and this is unfortunate. I appeal to them to avoid this infighting and put Malawi first. Anyone who loves this country would work with urgency otherwise we cannot afford to lose this opportunity”.

She also recieved a petition at parliament yesterday from some young people who claimed to have met all expenses which include paying for passport and medical reports. They said their medical reports are about to expire and therefore if an opportunity comes they should be prioritised.

According to Chitsulo cases like these should compel MDAs to work with speed.

“We have raised this concern a delegation that selection is problematic. This is why we need a bilateral agreement as soon as possible to improve on administration of the recruitment process among other issues” she said.

Chairperson for the parliamentary committee responsible for industry and trade Paul Nkhoma, who was part of the delegation, said Malawi started exporting labour to Israel in November last year and by now should have finalised all the required paperwork. He, too, bemoaned the delays saying it works to the disadvantage of Malawi considering that other countries are also eying same opportunities.

 When we contacted Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson John Kabaghe, he referred us to Labour Commissioner who did not respond to our questionnaire just like ministry of finance.

 But a source within OPC said despite parliament’s approval, he was not optimistic that this would be signed anytime soon.

“Remember that Israel is desperate for labour and they may not wait for our delays. Look at India they are exporting labour not less than 350 are landing there almost on a daily basis. Our officers in government ought to embrace a new culture of doing business differently. There seem to be unnecessary interests leading to the infighting,” said a senior government official who did not want to be named.

At a meeting with Malawi delegation, Israeli minister of Economy Nir Barakt also mentioned that India was willing to provide labour of up 200 million. Barakt offered Malawi up to 100 000 out of 300 000 openings available.

 At this meeting Malawi promised to send 10 000 within two months as a sign of commitment.

 Apparently the deal is on suspension awaiting the signing of the agreement.

 Malawi started exporting labour to Israel in November last year following other countries’ withdrawal of labourers from Israel farms by other countries due to the war between Israel and Hamas.