Ghana Migrant Workers’ Union Calls for State Rescue and Repatriation Fund for Victims Abroad

By Osmara Digital Media Correspondent

ACCRA, GHANA — The Migrant Labour General Workers’ Union International (MLGWUI) Ghana has called on African governments, particularly the Government of Ghana, to consider establishing a dedicated State Labour Migration Rescue, Repatriation and Mass Evacuation Fund to support migrant workers facing abuse, exploitation and other emergencies abroad.

In a statement, the union said the proposed fund would provide a structured mechanism for rescuing and repatriating migrant workers and residents affected by serious labour migration challenges or emergency situations in foreign countries.

The union said migrant workers, including skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers, can face challenges arising from inadequate information, limited pre-departure and post-arrival orientation, weak contractual arrangements and insufficient access to appropriate support services.

According to MLGWUI, such challenges may expose workers to exploitation and other serious situations, including human trafficking, migrant smuggling, fraudulent recruitment practices, unlawful detention, unexpected deportation and, in extreme circumstances, loss of life.

The organisation said the proposed fund should form part of broader labour migration policies aimed at strengthening protection and social security for citizens working outside their countries.

MLGWUI further urged African Heads of State and Governments, with Ghana highlighted in particular, to review existing labour migration mechanisms and consider incorporating a dedicated rescue, repatriation and mass evacuation component.

The union noted that African governments and private employment agencies are increasingly engaged in international labour migration as part of efforts to create employment opportunities and address unemployment.

It therefore argued that stronger protection mechanisms should accompany the expansion of international recruitment and labour mobility.

The statement also welcomed efforts by African governments to review labour migration policies in pursuit of decent work and improved social protection for migrant workers. However, MLGWUI identified emergency rescue and repatriation support for workers caught in difficult circumstances abroad as an area requiring further attention.

The proposed fund, if adopted, could provide governments with a dedicated framework for responding to urgent cases involving their nationals working or residing abroad, while complementing existing diplomatic, consular and labour protection mechanisms.

MLGWUI also operates an education and legal counselling bureau, the Finnish-French Migrant Education Resource Centre (FFEMEC), through which it says it seeks to contribute to migrant workers’ awareness and protection. The union's proposal comes amid continued discussions across Africa about safe, orderly and well-managed labour migration, including the responsibilities of governments, recruitment agencies and other stakeholders in protecting migrant workers.