Africa-Press – Lesotho. In recognition and appreciation of the critical role that Basotho in diaspora (living in other countries) play in the development of Lesotho, the Prime Minister (PM) Dr.
Moeketsi Majoro spearheaded the launch of Lesotho National Diaspora Policy last Thursday. The National Diaspora Policy of Lesotho is a call to action that is designed to formalize engagement
and give all related stakeholders a voice in its development. In the years ahead, through collaboration and partnership, this policy can bring Lesotho and
its people out of the country closer together for the betterment of Lesotho and its people beyond borders. This policy is not about the diaspora of Lesotho but
for the diaspora of Lesotho. People of Lesotho need to do it together for each other. The National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II) 2018/19-2022/23 emphasizes private sector
development to encourage private sector investment and pursue sustainable inclusive growth that creates jobs and inclusive growth in Lesotho. The socio-economic potential of the diaspora pinpoint the policy coherence between
this policy and NSDP II. The NSDP II also follows the enactment of the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution Act, 2018, which allowed dual citizenship in
Lesotho. This also strengthens the implementation of NSDP II. Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Hon.
Matšepo Ramakoae expressed gratitude to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for its continuing support to Lesotho as it only established its office in Maseru
in 2016 but has punched above its weight in providing remarkable support to the government of Lesotho. Ramakoae stated that IOM support entails the development of Labour Migration Policy for the Ministry of
Labour and Employment, support of several programmes under the Ministry of Home Affairs including border management and Anti-Human Trafficking strategies and
now the development of National Diaspora Policy. The day also marked the recognition of the Basotho Diaspora Association which was launched in May. According to Basotho Diaspora Association interim Coordinator Halieo Lelosa, the
journey to being a formalized Association was a difficult one for them. Lelosa also said that finding each other was both interesting and challenging as they
relied on other Basotho in diaspora to find their compatriots in other countries. She further declared that at the moment, Basotho in Diaspora have been located in 41 countries of five out of seven continents.
“This indeed is the first time in the history of our nation where the sons and daughters of this soil have
come together as a forceful unified Diaspora across the seas, mountains and borders to hold hands in the effort to play a pivotal role in the development
of our country,” Lelosa remarked. Meanwhile, the PM acknowledged the role played by (IOM) and the Basotho diaspora through the diaspora representatives in the development of this policy.
“Amongst the contributions by Basotho diaspora, remittances have been pivotal and played a cardinal role
in building our economy, at one point accounting for 25.8% of the GDP thus putting Lesotho on the top on remittances recipient countries in the world,
according to the World Bank data. Even though it stands at around 14.7% of the GDP today, Lesotho remains one of the top countries which are dependent on this
source of foreign earning,” Majoro specified. Dr. Majoro further clarified that this policy will augment other related policies namely: Labour Migration
Policy under the Ministry of Labour and Employment as well as the Migration and Development Policy under the Ministry of Home Affairs which is still at the
draft level as well as the National Strategic Framework which is intended to combat human trafficking. The Basotho Diaspora represents people of different interests, beliefs and reasons for being outside of Lesotho. The 2016 Census revealed that there are about 179 579 people living abroad and approximately 40% of the diaspora are women.
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