Tanzania will host a high-level labour migration forum next week, seeking to strengthen access to jobs for Tanzanians abroad while pushing for stronger safeguards for migrant workers.
The second Doha Dialogue on labour mobility and employment will be held in Dar es Salaam from October 5 to 6, bringing together African countries, Gulf states and other Middle Eastern countries.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment and Relations), Deus Sangu, said on Monday that the meeting would be held at the Hyatt Regency and is expected to be attended by President Samia Suluhu Hassan as guest of honour.
The forum will bring together African Union member states and countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, alongside Jordan and Lebanon.
For Tanzania, the meeting presents an opportunity to negotiate stronger labour-mobility cooperation with countries where demand for foreign workers remains significant.
It is also expected to address concerns around the rights and welfare of migrant workers, including the need for safer recruitment and employment arrangements.
The government said it wants the dialogue to help expand opportunities for Tanzanians seeking employment outside the country while strengthening cooperation with destination countries.
The meeting comes as labour migration becomes an increasingly important part of efforts to expand employment opportunities and improve workers' access to international labour markets.
Tanzania will become the first African country to host the Doha Dialogue since the platform was established in 2024. It is the second country to host the forum.
The government said hosting the dialogue would strengthen Tanzania's participation in global discussions on labour migration and help improve the competitiveness of its workforce.
It also linked the forum to implementation of the National Development Vision 2050, which places employment and human capital development among the country's long-term priorities.
Beyond the diplomatic discussions, the outcome of the meeting could have direct implications for Tanzanians looking for jobs abroad, particularly in terms of access to legitimate recruitment channels, recognition of skills and protection of workers' rights.
The forum will also provide an opportunity for Tanzania and other African labour-sending countries to engage destination countries on mechanisms for making labour migration safer, more orderly and beneficial to workers.