Government embarks on labour exports to achieve job creation agenda

Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera championing youth empowerment 

Malawi Government has started sending youth to various countries for work related activities, Ministry of labour has disclosed.

In a statement signed by Secretary for Labour Wezie Kaira, Government says there are several sectors being considered under the program and the first cohort is for the agricultural sector.

“The general public is hereby informed that the Government has embarked on the export of labour to various countries including lsrael,” he said.

According to the statement, the labour export program is an initiative of the government in collaboration with the
private sector to fulfill the administration’s commitment to job creation and youth empowerment as championed by President Dr. Lazarus McCathy Chakwera.

“Under the labour export program, the government would like to inform the public that the safety and security of the youth is paramount. On the Israel labour export, the youth will work at certified and
approved locations which are classified as fit and safe environment,” reads the statement in part.

According to the statement, in addition, medical insurance and repatriation arrangements have been put in place for
the youth involved.

“AIl labour exports are guided by Malawi Government’s Labour Export Program and Harmonized Labour Export Guidelines of 2022,” reads the statement.

According to the statement, so far the first cohort of the youth from various parts of the country have been granted an opportunity to work in Israel and will leave anytime since
all the clearances have been granted. More youth are expected to be engaged in this program.

Government has since assured Malawians that the identified youth will work on farms
and will not be involved in any other activity.

“This program will benefit both individuals and the nation. A portion of wages
will cover living cost in Israel, while the remainder will be remitted to personal accounts here in Malawi to boost foreign exchange,” reads the statement.

What the statement is saying is clear contrast with what Opposition leader Kondwani Nankhumwa said that the youth are going to Israel to fight the Hamas in Gaza.

According to media reports, the war in Israel has mostly affected the Gaza area while the Malawian workers will be stationed in the interior of Israel which is a safe zone to live and work.