Under the auspices of the AU-ILO-IOM-UNECA Joint Programme on Labour Migration Governance for Development and Integration in Africa (JLMP), the Government of Cameroon successfully hosted a significant two-day (June 1^st and 2^nd) validation meeting for a situation analysis report, marking a significant milestone in the development of the country's Labour Migration (LM) Policy.

The JLMP, a collaborative initiative spearheaded by the African Union, ILO, and IOM, has played a pivotal role in supporting Cameroon's commendable efforts to establish an effective and comprehensive labour migration framework. With the overarching goal of enhancing the welfare and protection of migrant workers, the validation meeting underscores the commitment to promoting fair recruitment practices, facilitating skills development, strengthening labor market information, and fostering social and economic integration.

The proposed labor migration policy in Cameroon, anchored in the country's National Development Strategy (SND30), is intricately aligned with the strategic development agenda of the African Union, which seeks to ensure inclusive growth and safeguard the rights of migrants. Designed to address the unique challenges encountered by migrant workers, the policy represents a beacon of hope in harnessing the untapped potential of labor migration for the benefit of individuals and host communities alike.

The meeting served as a confluence of diverse stakeholders, including high-level representatives fourteen ministerial departments, three other public structures, two consular chambers, independent bodies, and employers and workers of social partners. Through intense deliberations, engaging discussions, and the valuable insights shared, participants actively contributed to the finalization of the Labour Migration situation analysis report. This meticulous process ensures that the report accurately captures the prevailing landscape and provides effective guidance for the implementation of the LM Policy.

Commenting on these efforts, Ms. Odette Bolly, the AUC JLMP Coordinator, emphasized the program's dedication to supporting labour migration governance through technical expertise, capacity building, policy support, cooperation, and advocacy. The JLMP's collaborative and inclusive approach aims to create an enabling environment that fosters equitable opportunities for both migrant workers and host communities, ensuring sustainable and transformative outcomes, Ms. Odett added.

This significant event represents a major step forward in Cameroon's efforts to establish a comprehensive and inclusive labour migration framework. By promoting migrant protection and socio-economic integration, the country is paving the way for enhanced opportunities and improved conditions for migrant workers, while benefiting the overall development and stability of the nation.

At the conclusion of the workshop, there were numerous expressions of hope regarding the development of the policy, particularly highlighted by Ms. Angélique Salomé Abah, Head of the International Labour Standards Division in Cameroon's Ministry of Labour and Social Security, who emphasized attention to the rights-based and gender-sensitive considerations.

The Republic of Cameroon’s policy will not only establish a standard for other states in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) region, but it will also serve as a benchmark for promoting good practices. By providing a comprehensive framework that encompasses migration management, the policy will influence the overall efficiency, fairness, and effectiveness of labour migration processes within ECCAS.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Odette Bolly | JLMP Coordinator – AUC | Division of Labour, Employment and Migration, African Union Commission | E-mail: odetteb@africa-union.org

Ms. Angélique Salomé Abah |Head of the International Labour Standards Division, Ministry of Labour and Social Security – Republic of Cameroon | angeabah@gmail.com

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Innocent Vuga | Communication & Knowledge Management Officer – JLMP | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union Commission | Email: VugaI@africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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