The Training Programme in Doha brought together forty-two (42) Government officials from ten African countries, including Ghana, to enhance protection for their citizens working in Arab states. The event, which took place from 14th–17th April 2025, addressed systemic challenges faced by African migrant workers, particularly women in domestic roles, who are vulnerable to exploitation.
The Arab States region has become a significant destination for migrant workers, with the highest global share of migrant workers as a proportion of the total workforce. Many African nationals, including Ghanaians, seek better economic opportunities in these countries. However, reports of abuse, exploitation, and inadequate working conditions, especially for domestic workers, highlight the urgent need for strengthened protection mechanisms.
Unlike many Asian countries with established labour migration systems and bilateral agreements, African countries are still in the early stages of building institutional frameworks to manage labour migration and ensure protections for migrant workers. Diplomatic missions play a crucial role in addressing labour disputes, offering consular support, and facilitating access to justice. Few African countries have appointed Labour Attachés specialized in labour and employment issues to enhance their diplomatic missions.
To strengthen diplomatic missions in dealing with migration issues, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, organized a four-day training for representatives from African countries. The training focused on advancing fundamental rights, governance, and migrant workers’ protection in the Arab States.
During the training, participants received comprehensive capacity building on key areas critical to effective labour migration management and governance. Topics included fair recruitment practices, collaboration with local governments, pre-departure training, monitoring compliance with international labour laws and standards, and addressing the specific vulnerabilities of African migrant workers, especially women.
In the absence of Labour Attachés, Ghanaian Consular and Diaspora Desk Officers were engaged to provide continued institutional support for migrant workers abroad. A handbook based on the training is being developed to support and strengthen the staff of African diplomatic missions, ensuring knowledge sharing beyond the onsite participants.
Participants shared their insights from the training, highlighting the importance of networking with host authorities, gaining a deeper understanding of migrants’ struggles, exploring bilateral labour agreements, and emphasizing the need for migrant workers to be treated with respect and dignity. The training aimed to foster coordinated action from governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and migrant communities to advance fundamental rights, strengthen labour migration governance, and protect migrant workers in the region. GIZ, also known as the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, has a wealth of experience spanning over 50 years in various areas such as economic development, energy, and peace. Collaborating with businesses, civil society organizations, and research institutions, GIZ facilitates effective partnerships between development policy and other sectors.
The primary commissioning party for GIZ is the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). In Ghana, GIZ is actively involved in promoting sustainable development through around 50 programs and projects. The organization focuses on three key priority areas in Ghana: Energy and Climate, emphasizing renewable energy and energy efficiency; Training and Sustainable Growth for Decent Jobs; and Peaceful and Inclusive Societies, which centers on good governance initiatives.
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