Migration body for improved management
BY AUDREY KAPALAMULA:
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has said challenges of migration that have affected many countries can be addressed through provision of care and protection to returnees.
IOM Regional Director for southern Africa, Charles Kwenin, said most people fail to return or stay in their country of origin when the economic and social environment is not in line with their expectations.
Kwenin made the remarks at the launch of the pilot Action on Voluntary Return and Sustainable Community-Based Reintegration.
“Migration in itself is not bad but the problem lies in how it is managed. The issues that we face border on lack of opportunities in the country of origin. So this pilot project is aimed at enhancing government capacities to put in place structures and systems to assist the migrants who are living outside their countries. Those who have been trafficked also need to be helped so that they return to their homes and live normal lives,” he said.
The project will see 500 people in each of the four countries of Mozambique, Malawi, South Africa and Zambia voluntarily returning home and getting economic, social and psychological support.
Kwenin said within a two-year period, the beneficiaries will be going through skills and vocation training to help them become economically independent.
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, Cecelia Chazama, said the project will have a larger impact on youths, who are victims of migration, through the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority.
“These migrants are basically youths. They migrate in search of greener pastures. This project is going to have a larger impact on them, giving them a good reason to return home,” Chazama said.
European Union Ambassador to Malawi, Marchel Gerrmann, said, for the project to be successful, targeted countries need to demonstrate commitment and increased ownership of sustainable voluntary return and community-based reintegration approaches.
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