Zim Now Writer
The International Organisation of Migration has urged governments to unlocking the power of migration in driving prosperity.
“People on the move are powerful drivers for development in both their origin and destination countries,” said IOM Director-General, Amy Pope in a statement released today (Monday) to mark International Migrants Day celebrated yearly on December 18.
Diaspora remittances are integral to the Zimbabwean economy making up almost 17 percent of the country’s foreign currency earnings and reached US$919 million in the first six months of 2023.
Pope said the day presents an opportunity for people to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of millions of migrants worldwide.
“They are workers, students, entrepreneurs, family members, artists and so much more. Migrants often maintain strong connections to their home countries while embracing their new communities, where they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and skill,” said Pope.
Zimbabweans has seen massive emigration of both skilled and unskilled workers in the past decades. A 2023 South Africa government report estimated that there are about 750 000 Zimbabweans in the neighbouring country.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe is home to a number of foreign nationals including Chinese, Nigerians, Congolese and Mozambican migrants. UN stats say in 2020 2.8 percent of Zimbabwe’s population were citizens of other countries.
During the colonial era Zimbabwe became a prime destination for Mozambican and Malawian migrants seeking opportunities on the mines and farms even as Zimbabweans trekked to South Africa to mines like Wenera.
“All of this creates a unique blend of cultures and perspectives. So, for this International Migrants Day, we are focused on unlocking the power of migration. Migration is part of the solution to greater economic prosperity,” said Pope in her statement.
Visual Capitalist says a study measuring what governments are doing to integrate migrants ranked Sweden at the top as it offers non-EU citizens equal access to education, labour market rights and its social safety net, and it also has strong anti-discrimination laws.
The same study picked on practices like the sponsorship system being used in the United Kingdom for care workers as highly undesirable through creating fertile ground for employer abuse and human trafficking.
The UK recently reported a 372% per annum increase in Zimbabweans migrating to that country after issuing over 20 000 visas in the period ending June 2023.
Pope said migration is integral to human history as people move for better lives, to flee conflict, to escape persecution, or to find economic opportunity.
Leave Comments