The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has urged all countries in the region and beyond to sign and ratify the International convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families saying only one-fourth of United Nations member states have done so.
Addressing members of the public at the International Migrants Day Commemorations yesterday (Tuesday), IOM Chief of Mission, Lily Sanya said there is need for full respect of the rights of migrants, regardless of their status.
“The world urgently needs to build upon these efforts with a new global compact on human mobility based on better cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination, with enhanced responsibility sharing, and full respect of the human rights of migrants, regardless of their status.
“We must expand safe channels for regular migration, including for family reunification, labor mobility at all skill levels, greater resettlement opportunities, and education opportunities for children and adults.
“We need to mold the future rather than ignore it,we should do this by embracing the inevitability of migration, changing the perceptions of migrants among our public and better integrating migrants in our societies,” she said.
She added that it is important that partnerships are built between migrants, host communities and governments to nurture the benefits of their presence in the country.
“There is a real demographic revolution going on today and it is up to us to manage it for the benefit of all. Most migrants simply want an opportunity and would welcome even a temporary one say, a short-term student or agricultural work visa to improve the lives of their families back home.
“With the right support, those that stay will contribute to whatever society they settle in, whether it is economically or culturally. It is important that partnerships are built between migrants, host communities and governments to nurture the benefits of their presence in the country.
“Mounting evidence indicates that international migration is usually positive both for countries of origin and of destination.
“Its potential benefits are larger than the potential gains from freer international trade, particularly for developing countries.
“The impact of remittance flows is also significant having reached US$436 billion in 2014 according to the WB – far exceeding official development assistance and, excluding China, foreign direct investment.
“The Zimbabwean Diaspora, which is currently estimated to be between 500 000 and 3 million people, remitted US$837 million in 2014, US$944 million in 2015 and US$1.8 billion was projected for 2016 which constitute at least 15% contribution to the Gross Domestic Product,” she said.
Meanwhile Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade representative, David Hamadziripi said that the government is implementing a project on migration governance in Zimbabwe.
“The government is implementing a project on migration governance in Zimbabwe with a view to put in place the necessary and appropriate legislative institutional and other policies for the better management of migration .
“Zimbabwe is also involved in the dialogues within our region and beyond to foster operation and collaboration in managing complex reality on migration,” said Hamadziripi.
