Somalia Holds Fifth Technical Working Group Meeting on Labour Migration

Somalia convened its fifth Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on labour migration on 25 September 2025 in Mogadishu. The session was organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The meeting brought together 35 participants representing government ministries, employers, trade unions, private recruitment agencies, migrant associations, and development partners.

The meeting focused on reviewing progress made in labour migration since the previous TWG, assessing achievements under BRMM Phase II, and agreeing on a sustainability approach as the programme approaches completion. It also served as preparation for the upcoming Labour Migration Advisory Group (LMAG) meeting, scheduled for January 2026.

During the session, presentations highlighted several national achievements, including the adoption of the National Labour Migration Policy and the Private Employment Agencies Regulations, the operationalization of the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) in Mogadishu, and the signing of a bilateral labour agreement with Saudi Arabia. Ongoing engagement with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates was also noted. Stakeholders recognized capacity-building gains achieved through training on labour migration statistics, social protection, fair recruitment, skills partnerships, and strengthening of labour attaché services.

The ILO presented BRMM milestones and remaining activities, emphasizing coordination challenges, implementation gaps, and the importance of sustained engagement among ministries, social partners, and state-level actors. The upcoming Labour Force and Migration Survey was highlighted as a critical activity requiring collaboration between MoLSA, the National Bureau of Statistics, and other institutions.

Trade unions shared updates on efforts to protect migrant workers, including activities conducted through the MRC. FESTU reiterated concerns regarding the bilateral labour agreement with Saudi Arabia, calling for stronger safeguards aligned with national legislation and international labour standards. Employers provided updates on ongoing initiatives to promote fair recruitment and enhance engagement with MoLSA on compliance and oversight.

A roundtable discussion allowed participants to examine lessons learned and identify areas needing continued attention. Key priorities included the effective implementation of the new policy and regulations, expansion of MRC services, integration of administrative data, and improvements in employment promotion and skills development. The discussion also emphasized the need for stronger coordination between federal and state authorities and clear communication channels among institutions involved in labour migration governance.

The meeting included group work on BRMM sustainability and exit strategies, where participants reviewed proposed priority areas and outlined indicative timelines and responsibilities. Emphasis was placed on institutionalizing the TWG as a standing coordination mechanism, maintaining regular information exchange, and integrating ongoing labour migration activities into national programmes. Strengthening MoLSA’s capacity to manage bilateral labour agreements, oversee recruitment practices, and protect migrant workers was identified as essential.

In closing, MoLSA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the progress achieved under BRMM and encouraged continued collaboration among all stakeholders. Participants confirmed their readiness to advance agreed priorities and contribute to preparations for the upcoming regional LMAG meeting.