Interregional Arab Labour Migration Program - IRAM

Project completed

The project focuses on reforms of labour legislation, on employment constraints and potentials and on migrant workers’ rights and their protection in the Maghreb. It provides technical expertise for the reinforcement of state capacities and the strengthening of labour governance. The national legislation and labour codes will be reformed and adapted to international standards. The organization of migrant workers into trade unions will contribute to reducing their exploitation and strengthening their representation.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Maghreb
Employment & economic development
Migration
Labour migration
Migration generally (development aspects and partnerships)
01.12.2012 - 31.05.2017
CHF  1’800’000
Background

The Maghreb has recently seen increased arrivals of migrants from Sub-Sahara. Initially in transfer, a high number of these migrants ended up working in the informal and non-regulated economy. Being origin, transit and destination countries in the current social, economic and political context, the Maghreb is rightly concerned about the governance of labour migration and the protection of migrant workers. Decent work deficits combined with widening disparities in incomes as well as human security issues and demographic trends, have led to increased migration pressures. Thus, the decision of the SDC to invest into a labour migration project is foremost targeted at improving the corresponding framework conditions and seeking to redress the situation for vulnerable men and women migrants.

Objectives

To improve the governance of labour migration and the protection of migrant workers

Target groups

  • National labour (and migration) authorities, government officials
  • Public employment services
  • Trade unions
  • Migrants associations
  • Social security institutions
  • Medium-term outcomes

  • National ministerial labour and social affairs capacities for regulating labour migration are reinforced
  • The national ministerial capacities for protecting labour migrants’ rights are enhanced
  • The national trade unions’ capacities to protect migrant workers are strengthened
  • Intra-regional dialogue and cooperation on labour and skills mobility within the Maghreb are strengthened
  • Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
    Credit area Development cooperation
    Project partners Contract partner
    Private sector
    United Nations Organization (UNO)
    • International Labor Organization
    • Foreign private sector South/East


    Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’800’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’987’512
    Project phases

    Phase 1 01.12.2012 - 31.05.2017   (Completed)