Tanzania Pilots Information Note to Prepare Migrant Workers for Oman

Tanzania conducted a pilot workshop in Dar es Salaam from 6 to 7 August 2025 to test a new Information Note designed to help prospective migrant workers understand the realities of living and working in Oman. The tool was developed by the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) and piloted by the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) with technical support from the ILO BRMM programme. The workshop brought together government institutions, trade unions, civil society, recruitment agencies, returned migrants, and prospective migrant workers.

The pilot aimed to assess whether the Information Note is clear, relevant, and practical for workers preparing to migrate. Participants reviewed the content, evaluated its usefulness, and provided feedback to improve the tool before wider rollout. The workshop also explored how the Information Note could be integrated into pre-departure training and the services of the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) that TUCTA will establish.

Key Workshop Highlights:

• Content Review: Presentations outlined the main challenges faced by Tanzanian workers in Oman, including contract substitution, excessive working hours, limited knowledge of rights, and weak recruitment agency support. GFOW provided information on Omani legal provisions and common challenges. Government representatives discussed current pre-departure training and oversight mechanisms, while civil society highlighted psychosocial support and reintegration assistance.
• Panel Discussion: Returned migrants shared experiences, highlighting both positive outcomes under formal migration channels and challenges such as exploitation, unclear contracts, and limited support on arrival.
• Findings from the Pilot:
  • Sections covering workers’ rights, leave entitlements, contract provisions, and the prohibition of passport retention were particularly useful.
  • Legal and procedural information, including complaint mechanisms, was seen as too technical; participants requested simpler language, clear explanations, and practical examples.
  • Many preferred alternative formats, such as videos, SMS-based tools, or verbal briefings. Suggested additions included rules for multi-household work, workplace privacy, emergency contacts, and step-by-step complaint reporting.
• Broader Issues Identified: Participants noted weak regulation of recruitment agencies, poor enforcement of contracts abroad, and the absence of a bilateral labour agreement between Tanzania and Oman. Strengthened institutional cooperation between the two countries was recommended to better protect migrant workers.

Next Steps:

The Information Note will be revised based on feedback. TUCTA, in collaboration with ESU, TRAA, and the ILO, will integrate the updated tool into pre-departure training and MRC services. Government and union representatives will continue engagement with GFOW on contract harmonization and strengthening support mechanisms for Tanzanian workers in Oman.

The pilot provided critical insights into migrant workers’ information needs, highlighting the importance of accuracy, clarity, and practical guidance. The revised Information Note will support ongoing efforts to improve the protection, preparedness, and informed decision-making of Tanzanian migrant workers.