By Alhaji Haruna Sani
With funding from the United States Government, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Sierra Leone commenced a consultative session on Monday, 15th July 2024, focused on assessing and studying ethical recruitment practices.
Christo Christodoulides, Head of IOM Sierra Leone, addressed participants, emphasizing the organization’s mandate to assist governments and stakeholders in managing migration safely, orderly, and regularly for the benefit of both migrants and society.
Since 2012, IOM has collaborated with the Sierra Leonean government on projects aimed at assisting migrants and discouraging irregular migration. These efforts have included providing technical assistance on migration management, counter-trafficking, and supporting voluntary return and reintegration.
Christodoulides highlighted the recent stakeholders’ engagement workshop on the review of the National Labour Migration Policy, held in partnership with the Ministry of Employment and Social Security. This workshop stemmed from an MoU signed with the Ministry of Labour.
Addressing ethical recruitment, he noted that the International Recruitment Integrity System Standard sets a benchmark corresponding to seven key principles and rights at work. He pointed out that many West African countries, including Sierra Leone, delegate authority to registered and licensed private recruitment and employment agencies.
Christodoulides condemned the illegal activities of some private employment recruitment agencies operating as overseas recruiters, reaffirming IOM’s commitment to promoting ethical recruitment and protecting migrant workers in West Africa. He emphasized supporting the Sierra Leonean government in developing mechanisms to prevent and address exploitation by unscrupulous recruiters.
The ongoing study, which includes examining labour migration trends, recruitment channels, and migrant worker protection, aims to identify and highlight gaps in labour migration, focusing specifically on ethical recruitment practices. Christodoulides urged participants to contribute meaningfully to the discussions.
