Nairobi, Kenya – 23-26 June 2025 — Migrant Workers Resource Centre (MRC) practitioners from across Africa came together this week to review and validate the new Operations Manual for Migrant Workers Resource Centres (MRCs), a key tool to strengthen the protection of migrant workers and promote fair recruitment across the East and Horn of Africa.

The workshop, jointly hosted by the ILO and Kenya’s National Employment Authority (NEA), provided an opportunity for MRC practitioners, government officials, social partners, and civil society representatives to contribute their expertise towards the finalization of the Operations Manual. The Manual is designed to guide the effective establishment and operation of MRCs, enhancing their role as critical service delivery points that provide accurate information, legal support, and referral services to migrant workers along labour migration pathways.

Participants shared lessons learned and best practices on key operational areas, including governance structures, quality service provision, outreach and awareness-raising, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. The consultative process ensured that the Manual reflects practical realities and is aligned with international labour standards and the principles of fair recruitment, as set out in the ILO General Principles and Operational Guidelines for Fair Recruitment and relevant international instruments.

The Operations Manual will be rolled out across ILO-supported MRCs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda, reinforcing efforts to empower migrant workers with reliable information, promote safe and orderly labour migration, and support the prevention of exploitation and abuse.

The workshop also facilitated South-South knowledge exchange, with participants from Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda sharing national experiences. Delegations from Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand contributed global perspectives, underlining the value of cross-regional collaboration to promote ethical recruitment and strengthen protection frameworks along migration corridors.

MRCs play a crucial role in supporting migrant workers at all stages of the migration cycle – from pre-departure to post-arrival and reintegration – in line with the ILO’s integrated approach to promoting decent work for all migrant workers and fostering fair recruitment practices.

This initiative forms part of the ILO’s broader efforts to advance fair recruitment, protect migrant workers' rights, and promote safe, regular, and orderly migration, as enshrined in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, and aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.