Africa-Press – Lesotho. At the launch of a two year project on Diaspora Engagement in the Kingdom of Lesotho, the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations expressed its wish to create a Diaspora Policy as a drive to prosper the country.
The initiative, said to end in 2020, is to be piloted in South Africa. Foreign Affairs Minister, Honorable Lesego Makgothi labeled the move a “historic milestone” to effectively engage the abroad diaspora who had crossed their Motherland borders for greener pastures elsewhere.
He said the diaspora can be instrumental on promoting tourism, investing in the country and sending remittances back home amongst others. Over the years, he said, there has been lack of coordination and relevant proper utilization of such opportunities.
He revealed an international agency, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Development Fund, sponsored the program with over M2 Million, thereby commending IOM for operating in the country from 2016.
He said proper consultations were also conducted so as to avoid imposing the ideas. One of the activities to follow, he said, is to conduct a dialog with Basotho diaspora in South Africa in due course.
Ministers said once naturalized in other states, those targeted Basotho lose their Bosotho birthrights. In addressing that, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Hon Machesetsa Mofomobe said, “The Constitutional amendment allowing dual citizenship will pave way for proper engagement with Basotho diaspora.
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He said the eighth amendment constitutional bill will complement the diaspora program stating that it will be useful in enabling the granting of the Basotho diaspora Lesotho citizenship.
He remarked: “I hope now the diaspora will feel at home and thus be able to invest back at home in terms of human resources, skills and entrepreneurship. Together we can build a prosperous Lesotho. ”
On behalf of Labour and Employment Minister, Hon Joang Molapo called for the upcoming Diaspora Policy to be aligned to the drafted Migration and Development Policy.
He wished the same for National Labour Migration Policy so as to ensure consistency and smooth implementation. He said the return and reintegration of migrant workers are the government’s core mandate in this regard.
He advised for the redefinition of “diaspora” to suit Lesotho specifics since Basotho migrant workers form a larger chunk. He said: “Beyond their well-known role as senders of remittances, diaspora can also promote trade and foreign direct investment, create business and spur entrepreneurship.”
