Background

The workshop brought together 26 participants (3 female), including representatives from MoLSA, social partners, PrEAs, and civil society. This diverse group contributed their expertise and insights to shape comprehensive regulations for private employment agencies. The  discussions included fair recruitment practices, ILO standards, and the critical role of recruitment practices in protecting workers’ rights.

Participants highlighted the need for strong regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair recruitment practices. They also underscored the urgency of creating sustainable job opportunities to curb irregular migration, especially among Somali youth.

His Excellency Yusuf Mohamed Adan, State Minister of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in his opening remark stated: "The new regulations for Private Employment Agencies are both timely and essential. It'll ensure the safety and protection of workers while promoting a fair and efficient labour market, enabling PrEAs to match job opportunities with qualified workers responsibly and transparently."

Over the course of the workshop, participants reviewed and validated the situational analysis report, which detailed the current regulatory landscape and identified key challenges. The draft PrEA regulation also proposed clear guidelines for the licensing, registration, and monitoring of PrEAs, ensuring these agencies operate transparently and protect the rights of migrant workers.

One of the workshop's highlights was the interactive session on fair recruitment principles. Where the participants discussed the global and regional challenges faced by low skilled migrant workers, including high recruitment fees and exploitation. They also explored how Somalia could implement PrEAs regulations in line with international standards. In addition, they identified the need for enhanced cooperation among stakeholders, including government agencies, employers, and recruitment agencies, to create a balanced and fair labour market.

On the final day, stakeholders worked in groups to provide targeted feedback on the draft regulations. These discussions were instrumental in refining the framework, addressing concerns, and incorporating national priorities. Key revisions included clarifying the roles and responsibilities of PrEAs, introducing stricter licensing requirements, and ensuring that the regulations reflect Somalia’s unique labour market dynamics Following the discussions and proposed amendments to ensure the PrEAs regulation respond accurately to the country’s context, the participants validated the PrEAs regulation.

The workshop concluded with a commitment to next steps. The draft regulations will be translated into Somali and undergo further validation by legal experts and broader national stakeholders. Once finalised, they will be presented to Somalia’s cabinet for approval. Participants emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to implement this regulation effectively.

Key documents