Eco Scope Foundation’s Commitment to Addressing Challenges in Labour Migration.
At Eco Scope Foundation, we are committed to tackling the challenges faced by Tanzanian migrant workers, both within the country and abroad. While we recognize the tremendous economic potential that labour migration offers, we are also deeply aware of the risks associated with this process.
Migrants, especially those who travel without proper legal documentation, face a variety of hardships including exploitation, human trafficking, and abuse. Our mission is to create comprehensive solutions that empower Tanzanians, particularly the youth, with the knowledge and support they need to access safe, legal employment opportunities abroad.
In line with the Tanzanian government’s strategy to engage one million diaspora workers by 2028, Eco Scope Foundation works closely with both local and international partners to provide a holistic approach to migrant welfare. Our focus is not only on promoting safe migration pathways but also on ensuring that Tanzanians abroad can fully participate in the country’s development, contributing to its economic growth through remittances, investments, and social engagement.
Key Government Plans for Diaspora Engagement:
1. Legal Pathways for Migration: The government’s goal of increasing the number of Tanzanians working abroad from 500,000 to one million by 2028 is centered around creating more legal migration opportunities. These pathways will help mitigate the risks that arise from informal migration, which is often linked to human trafficking.
2. Financial and Investment Opportunities: Initiatives such as the introduction of digital platforms for remittances (e.g., Kuda) aim to make sending money back to Tanzania more secure and efficient. These efforts will help maximize the positive economic impact of the diaspora community.
3. Social Protection and Health Services: Tanzanians working overseas will be encouraged to enroll in social health insurance schemes, ensuring their well-being while abroad. This is a critical part of the government’s strategy to improve the overall welfare of migrant workers.
4. Digitization for Accurate Data Collection: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ plans to digitize the identification and registration of Tanzanians in the diaspora will provide more accurate data to inform policies that safeguard the interests of migrant workers.
Addressing the Challenges of Labour Migration and Human Trafficking:
A significant challenge that needs to be addressed in the context of labour migration is human trafficking. Many Tanzanians, particularly women and youth, are vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers who promise lucrative job opportunities abroad but deliver them into abusive or forced labor situations. Eco Scope Foundation has been actively involved in raising awareness about the risks of human trafficking and is working with government and international agencies to ensure that Tanzanians are informed about the dangers of illegal migration.
Eco Scope Foundation continues to collaborate with organizations such as the Secretariat on Combating Human Trafficking to address the root causes of trafficking and exploitation, and to provide support to those who have been affected. We advocate for stronger legal protections and safer migration routes to ensure that Tanzanians abroad can thrive without fear of exploitation or trafficking.
The Way Forward:
Eco Scope Foundation believes that addressing the challenges of migration, including human trafficking, requires a comprehensive approach that includes both prevention and support for victims. By improving legal frameworks, creating awareness, and enhancing the protection and rights of migrant workers, we aim to contribute to the government’s vision of increasing diaspora engagement while ensuring the safety and prosperity of Tanzanians abroad.
We are committed to working alongside the Tanzanian government, international organizations, and other stakeholders to create a more secure, empowering, and sustainable migration experience for Tanzanians. Stay tuned to our platform for ongoing updates and initiatives to support the well-being of migrant workers and address the challenges of human trafficking.
Prepared by: Eco Scope Foundation