The African Trade Union Migration Network (ATUMNET), with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and ITUC-Africa, hosted a dynamic three-day capacity-building workshop in Nairobi (Kenya) focused on fair recruitment and the protection of migrant workers’ rights. The event brought together 43 participants, including representatives from national and regional trade unions, migrant worker associations, private employment agencies, and the media.

Unethical recruitment remains a persistent challenge for African migrant workers, often leading to exploitation through contract substitution, excessive recruitment fees, and deceptive practices. During the workshop, participants developed draft advocacy messages, an action plan, and individual commitments to promoting fair recruitment.

The sessions on the ILO’s General Principles and Operational Guidelines (GP&OG), the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA), and Tunisia’s Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) were particularly well received. These examples helped underscore how trade unions can engage more strategically at national and regional levels.

A key outcome of the workshop was the collective agreement to refine and adopt unified advocacy messages that will inform upcoming regional dialogues, including the next round of the Doha Dialogue between Africa and the Arab States.

By deepening their knowledge and strengthening coordination, trade union leaders reaffirmed their role in shaping just migration policies and protecting African workers on the move.

This activity was carried out with the support of the FAIR III program and JLMP Lead project.