ILO supports Suriname in strengthening labour migration governance

PARAMARIBO, Suriname (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) carried out a two-day mission to Paramaribo, Suriname, on 25–26 May 2026 as part of the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2023–2026. The mission focused on strengthening labour migration governance through high-level policy dialogue and engagement with government officials and social partners.

The ILO delegation, led by Ms Noortje Denkers, Deputy Director of the ILO Caribbean Office, also included Mr Francesco Carella, Regional Specialist on Labour Migration, held substantive discussions with the Honourable Dr Raj R. Jadnanansing, Deputy Minister of Health, Welfare and Labour, and senior officials from the Directorate of Welfare and Labour. The high-level exchange examined the implications of Suriname's evolving labour market, particularly the expected increase in foreign workers linked to emerging offshore oil and gas developments and related sectors.

Discussions emphasized the need for forward-looking, rights-based policies that reconcile economic growth with the protection of workers' rights and the promotion of decent work for all. Strengthened labour migration governance, solid labour market data, fair recruitment, and robust social dialogue among institutional counterparts and with tripartite partners were identified as essential measures to ensure that labour migration contributes positively to national development without undermining social justice.

On the second day, the ILO facilitated an awareness-raising and capacity-building session for national officials and social partners on labour migration policy development, the ILO Fair Recruitment Principles and relevant International Labour Standards. Facilitated by Mr Francesco Carella and Ms Naomi Esajas-Friperson, the session promoted open exchange on ILO Conventions, fair and ethical recruitment, with particular attention to labour migration data, skills and the role of private recruitment agencies. Participants explored practical steps for developing a labour migration policy and aligning national frameworks with international labour standards and the draft regional labour migration policy framework developed by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Through these engagements, the ILO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Suriname in aligning labour migration frameworks with international labour standards, strengthening social dialogue, and building the institutional capacity needed to protect migrant and local workers alike, whilst meeting the national development goals and potential. Under the DWCP 2023–2026, continued collaboration among government, employers, and workers' organizations will be central to translating economic transformation into decent, productive, and protected employment for all.