MLGWUI demands immediate bilateral labour relations agreement between Ghana and Gulf Co-operation Council States
Accra, 16th October 2024 – The Migrant Labour General Workers’ Union International (MLGWUI) is calling on the President of Ghana to lift the 2017 ban on labour migration to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The union is also urging the government to sign an immediate Bilateral Labour (Employment) Relations Agreement with the GCC and other countries before 18th December 2024.
In a formal statement addressed to the media and signed by Justice Baako Ntarmah, Head of Education and International Relations at MLGWUI, the union expressed its concerns about the current state of Ghanaian migrant domestic workers. Despite the government’s intention to curb human and labour rights abuses by enforcing the 2017 ban, MLGWUI argues that the situation has worsened, with private recruitment agencies exploiting these workers.
Key Issues Raised by MLGWUI
Appreciation for the 2017 Ban: MLGWUI acknowledged the government’s initial efforts to reduce the exploitation of Ghanaian migrant domestic workers in GCC states by instituting the ban in 2017.
Ineffectiveness of the Ban: The union claims that, after seven years, the ban has failed to produce meaningful results. Unethical and unregistered recruitment agents continue to exploit migrant workers, especially domestic workers, many of whom have been subjected to abusive working conditions and even death.
Unethical Recruitment Practices: MLGWUI expressed concern over the activities of unscrupulous recruitment agents who send educated and hard-working migrant domestic workers to the GCC under exploitative conditions.
Lack of Enforcement at Ghanaian Borders: The union questioned why security officers at Ghanaian airports, particularly Kotoka International Airport, have failed to prevent migrant domestic workers from traveling to countries where the ban is still in place.
Impact on Educated Workers: The union pointed out that many Ghanaian and African university graduates are now working as domestic workers in the GCC due to unemployment at home, stressing that domestic workers should be regarded as essential workers.
Call to Lift the Ban: MLGWUI argued that the ban has only benefited unethical recruitment agents who evade taxes. The union insists that lifting the ban will help regulate the labour migration sector, ensuring fairness and protection for workers.
Rescue and Repatriation Efforts: Since the ban was enforced, MLGWUI has rescued and repatriated 19 African migrant domestic workers, including 17 Ghanaians, a Togolese, and a Beninese, back to their countries of origin.
Demand for Accountability: The union revealed that it has submitted recommendations for the arrest of unethical recruitment agents to the Labour Department, Ministry of Labour, and Ghana Police Service. However, no significant action has been reported.
Proposal for Bilateral Labour Agreements: MLGWUI proposed that the government adopt the MLGWUI International Contract of Employment when negotiating bilateral labour agreements with other countries.
End to Exploitation: The union strongly condemned the continued exploitation, trafficking, and abuse of migrant domestic workers and called for an immediate end to such practices by 18th December 2024.
Pre-Departure Orientation for Workers: MLGWUI urged all potential migrant workers with international employment offers to contact its Secretariat for pre-departure orientation and to sign the MLGWUI International Labour Relations Contract of Employment.
A Call for Urgent Action
MLGWUI concluded by stressing the urgency of the situation, calling on the government to act swiftly. The union believes that signing bilateral labour agreements will empower Ghanaian workers to freely choose their employment options abroad while ensuring fair treatment and protection against exploitation.
The organization remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of migrant workers both in Ghana and abroad, and it is hopeful that the government will take the necessary steps to protect its citizens working in foreign countries.
For more information, contact:
Justice Baako Ntarmah
Head of Education and International Relations
Migrant Labour General Workers’ Union International
+233 246253966
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
