Africa-Press – Uganda. The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has warned Ugandans against being hoodwinked by tours and travel companies that they can take them abroad for jobs.
Addressing journalists during the launch of a campaign on safe labour migration, the Minister of State for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations,Esther Anyakun said tours and travel companies are not legally mandated to take Ugandans abroad for work and therefore no one should fall prey.
“Of late, there are many tours and travel companies advertising through social media platforms. Others have extorted money from many youths and not taken them abroad as they purport,” Anyakun said.
The minister also warned that no individual is allowed to take Ugandan abroad for work.
“There are also agents out there claiming to take Ugandans abroad for work. The Ministry does not license individuals to take people abroad for work. Only companies are licensed.”
Anyakun said whereas only licenced companies are allowed to take Ugandans abroad for jobs, before signing up with they must verify whether the ministry has approved the job orders, the company purports to have.
She warned that before migrant workers leave the country, they must ensure that they are traveling by an employment visa not visit/tourist visa, “and must sign an employment contract or offer letter before leaving the country, which they should share with their relatives or family.”
“The contract signed must specify the nature of work and salary to be paid among others. Anyone who pays money to a licensed company must ensure they that they get a receipt of all payments made. Domestic worker jobs are not supposed to be paid for.”
Anyakun said domestic migrant workers must undergo mandatory pre-departure orientation for 14 days.
According to the minister, government has established accessible and reliable mechanisms through which migrant workers, their families, and members of the public can seek assistance or report complaints related to labour migration.
“These channels are designed to ensure timely response, follow-up, and protection of Ugandan migrant workers, both at home and abroad.”
She urged Ugandans experiencing challenges, exploitation, contract violations, or suspected illegal recruitment to report through the EEMIS complaints module at eemis.mglsd.go.ug, the migrant helpline app named Sauti 116 or through a telephone contact,+256 414 341 250.
“All complaints received through these channels are treated with seriousness, investigated promptly, and addressed in collaboration with relevant departments, recruitment agencies, and Ugandan Missions abroad.”
