East Africa Pushes for Unified Labour Deals to Boost Skilled Migration Abroad

East African partner states and the Horn of Africa have called for harmonised labour agreements to promote skilled employment abroad, marking a shift from the region’s heavy reliance on exporting untrained casual labour. The consensus emerged during the 7th Regional Ministerial Forum on Migration held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala on Tuesday, with officials emphasising the need to secure better pay, protection, and dignity for migrant workers. … Migration experts raised concerns over increasing irregular migration facilitated by criminal networks exploiting porous borders. Lucy Daxbacher of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said human trafficking and migrant smuggling remain major threats. … Participants also highlighted the need to streamline migration systems, improve data collection, and strengthen identification frameworks to enhance governance. Monitor