Tanzania holds fourth National Technical Working Group meeting on Labour Migration

On 18 July 2025, Tanzania convened its Fourth National Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on labour migration in Dodoma. The session brought together government institutions, social partners, and the ILO to review achievements under the BRMM programme over the past three years, identify remaining gaps, and agree on priority actions for the final phase of implementation.

Key Highlights of the Meeting:

• Progress Review: Participants assessed accomplishments in labour migration governance, including improvements in digital systems (ESMIS and OWAIS), expansion of pre-departure orientation, strengthened collaboration with destination countries, and recognition of prior learning for returnees. These interventions have enhanced worker protection and created clearer pathways for safe overseas employment.
• Identified Gaps: Despite progress, challenges remain. Discussions highlighted issues around unregistered recruitment agents, limited reintegration support for returnees, coordination across institutions, and the long-term sustainability of initiatives as BRMM approaches its conclusion in March 2026.
• Priority Actions:
  • Strengthening Institutional Capacity: Emphasis on training frontline officers, improving data systems, and resourcing units responsible for labour migration.
  • Oversight of Recruitment Agencies: Regular inspections and clearer registration processes to ensure transparency and protect workers from exploitation.
  • Expanding Access to Overseas Employment: Strengthening embassy coordination, broadening bilateral labour agreements, and collaborating with licensed private employment agencies to open additional regulated labour markets.
  • Support for Returnees: Establishing mechanisms to track and reintegrate returning migrants, develop tailored training modules, offer psychosocial and employment services, and recognize skills gained abroad.
  • Sustainability: Integrating ongoing interventions into government budgets, aligning them with national development plans, engaging private sector partnerships, and enhancing awareness-raising through media and stakeholder engagement.

The meeting concluded with agreement on practical next steps, ensuring continued oversight of recruitment agencies, improved tracking and support for returnees, enhanced inter-institutional coordination, and the gradual integration of BRMM-supported interventions into national systems. These priorities provide a roadmap for the final phase of labour migration governance improvements in Tanzania.