MoHRE Represents Abu Dhabi Dialogue At International Organisation For Migration Meeting To Discuss Migration Pathways

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), representing the Permanent Secretariat of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD), took part in a regional meeting organised by the International Organisation for Migration. The focus was on improving migration pathways and temporary labour mobility to help Middle Eastern and North African countries tackle climate change impacts.

During the two-day event in Cairo, government officials from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe gathered with representatives from the Arab League, UN agencies, civil society, and academics. Discussions centred on how climate change affects migration trends and temporary labour policies, examining their influence on society, economic growth, and employment amid a shift towards a green economy.

Participants shared expertise and best practices to address governance challenges. They explored ways to assist labour sending and receiving nations in transitioning swiftly to a green economy while considering the effects on both national and migrant workers. This exchange aimed at fostering cooperation among these countries.

Abdulrahman Al Sharhan, Director of the International Organisations Department at MoHRE, highlighted Abu Dhabi Dialogue's role as a consultative platform. It facilitates communication between Asian and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries about aligning temporary labour migration policies with economic benefits for both sending and receiving nations.

Al Sharhan emphasised developing "green skills" as crucial for ensuring safe and legal labour mobility. He noted that these skills are essential amid rapid employment changes in host countries moving towards advanced digital and green technology industries requiring new market skills.

"The Dialogue provides a framework to analyse best practices that have the potential to support bilateral and regional collaboration, and strengthen partnerships that aim to regulate labour markets across the region," Al Sharhan stated. "Moreover, it allows for exchanging innovative initiatives in an effort to protect workers’ rights and improve their wellbeing amidst a thriving business community."

Enhancing Worker Reintegration

Al Sharhan also stressed ADD's role in promoting cooperation between labour sending and receiving countries. This cooperation helps uphold responsibilities for mobile workers. He advocated for skill-based partnerships to bridge skill gaps in host countries while supporting development efforts in sending nations through increased remittances.

He called for better reintegration opportunities for migrant workers returning home. This would enable them to use advanced skills gained abroad, enhancing career prospects upon their return. Such measures can significantly benefit both individual workers and their home economies.

The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to address climate change's impact on migration. By focusing on skill development and policy alignment, countries can better manage labour mobility challenges while supporting economic growth in a changing environment.

With inputs from WAM