Africa-Press – Lesotho. The United Nations (UN) updated the interrelated Ministries on the Lesotho DIASPORA policy that will be presented before the Cabinet. The Draft Diaspora Policy seeks expeditious agreements from the relevant Ministries so that the policy can be presented before the Cabinet for consideration and adoption.
It is intended to be finalised by the end of November so that it is implemented accordingly for realisation of intended objectives and benefits to diaspora community as well as Lesotho’s economic development.
Speaking at the briefing, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Head of Office Eriko Nishimura explained that the objective of the diaspora policy is to build a more coordinated approach to diaspora engagement in Lesotho from an institutional and leadership perspective, commit to the development and the strengthening of community network of Basotho diaspora as well as to increase effectiveness of engagement of Basotho diaspora and provide services to both the successful and vulnerable members of the diaspora.
She added that the objectives will ensure a complete approach to diaspora engagement through the policy while cultivating stronger ties and trust between Lesotho and the diaspora.
Nishimura indicated that Basotho Diaspora need skills transfer programmes between diaspora and Lesotho, she said exchange of skills is very important to transfer knowledge, and that they need a dedicated website for Diaspora engagement.
She noted that they definitely need up to date information, newsletters, Facebook, Television and Radio Programs and to receive regular updates about employment and investment opportunities in Lesotho.
“We have an online platform where information on all these opportunities can be accessed, we need to often be updated with relevant information.
Some of the very critical websites like that of the Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) are rarely updated and this leads to Lesotho missing out on key investments and opportunities, the government should hold exposures where different departments and the private sector showcase investment opportunities available in the country and Basotho need a supportive structure that takes care of their wellbeing”.
She quoted some of the opinions raised by Basotho Diaspora in South Africa (SA) that they should know about opportunities for Basotho professionals to give back to their home country, and the mechanisms of doing so.
““All we ask is that they give us an ear and give us attention, we are always talking about the welfare of our country and everybody.
”” The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Hon.
Matšepo Molise said her ministry is optimistic that the policy will build a significant milestone and framework for Lesotho’s engagement with her diaspora living abroad.
She continued that the Government of Lesotho, in partnership with IOM have embarked on a project aimed at enhancing the coordination and strengthening capacity to effectively engage Lesotho diaspora.
Molise expanded that it is a trite fact that the movement of people cannot be prevented but can be managed and regulated in order to reap positive benefits.
She stated that Basotho have not been an exception in this phenomenon and are moving within the African continent and beyond, either temporarily or permanently for various reasons such as employment, education or business purposes.
“A policy framework provides a strategic direction and guidance to achieve the institutional objectives which will eventually address the national needs.
It becomes imperative therefore, for Lesotho to have in place a comprehensive diaspora policy in tandem with the recent global migration trends and developments,” she explained.
Molise explained that in recent years the role of the diaspora in their country of origin’s macro-economic stability and socio-economic development has been very instrumental, notably through remittances, investment and charitable development projects, sharing of specialised skills and tourism promotion to name but a few.
“In 2019 we conducted three successful diaspora outreach forums in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Durban. The outreach forums provided essential consultative meetings that will inform this policy as it is basically meant for the diaspora community. We have also envisaged to incorporate their contributions and views through our missions abroad in this regard.
In the past few weeks, we have also submitted our strategic plan to the Ministry of Public Service to create the envisaged Diaspora Directorate within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the approval of this Directorate will be a key milestone because it will be the machinery and a vehicle that will implement this policy,” Molise explained.
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