A milestone training programme was held in Doha (Qatar) between the 14 and 17 of April 2025 to strengthen the capacities of African labour attachés, Consular officers, and diaspora desk officers stationed in Arab States. The four-day, in-person workshop aimed to equip frontline diplomatic staff with the tools and knowledge to better safeguard the rights and welfare of African migrant workers.

Organized by the ILO Office in Qatar in collaboration with ITC-ILO and ohtehr key partners, including ILO projects: FAIR III, BRMM, FAIRWAY and GIZ, the training brought together more than 40 participants from countries with significant labour migration flows to the Arab States such as Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria among others.

The workshop addressed long-standing challenges African migrant workers face in the region particularly in relation to the kafala (sponsorship) system, limited access to justice, and weak enforcement of labour standards. Through a mix of expert-led sessions, case studies, peer learning, and gender sensitive approaches, participants explored international labour standards, fair recruitment principles, and the socio-legal contexts affecting migrants in sectors such as domestic work and construction.

“The training touched on what I do regularly at the embassy in response to the welfare and human rights of Ugandan migrant workers. However, I have been equipped with cutting-edge skills to support migrant workers in distress, as well as the provision of an expanded network to peer-learn,”
said Mr. Lawrence Pido Lukwiya, Counsellor at the Uganda Embassy in Riyadh.

His testimony reflects the real-world relevance of the training for embassy officials providing direct support to vulnerable migrant populations.

Mr. Lawrence Simpi, an official from Ghana’s Labour Department, also highlighted how the training expanded his understanding of the wider migration landscape:

“I have a new sense of appreciation of the services and support needed to be provided for migrant workers in destination countries. The training has equipped me with the tools to effectively contribute to the development, negotiation, implementation, and monitoring of Bilateral Labour Agreements with the Arab States.”

A key outcome of the workshop was the creation of a community of practice, hosted on the ITC-ILO’s e-Campus platform. This network is designed to support continued collaboration, peer exchange, and knowledge-sharing among African diplomatic missions in the region.

In addition, a comprehensive post-training handbook is currently under development by the ITC ILO. It will serve as a practical reference for current and future officers engaged in migrant worker protection, helping to ensure continuity, institutional memory, and sustainable impact.