LMRA hosts GCC-East Africa Symposium on responsible recruitment and anti-trafficking
TDT | Manama
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The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), in cooperation with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and in partnership with the Executive Bureau of the GCC Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs, organised a twoday Symposium on Responsible Recruitment and Combatting Trafficking in Persons.
The event, titled Fostering Collaboration between the Gulf Cooperation Council and East and Horn of Africa, took place on January 18–19, bringing together stakeholders to enhance cooperation and address critical labour and human trafficking issues.
The symposium brought together more than 120 participants from GCC countries and the East and Horn of Africa, including government officials, recruitment agencies, private sector representatives, and technical and vocational education and training institutions.
Cooperation
Through interactive sessions, panel discussions, and networking activities, the symposium aimed to strengthen cross-regional cooperation to promote ethical and responsible recruitment practices, advance decent work, enhance skills mobility, and reinforce safeguards against trafficking in persons.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency Nibras Talib, Chief Executive Officer of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons, emphasised the importance of shared responsibility across recruitment corridors, noting: “This symposium reflects our collective commitment to promoting ethical and responsible recruitment practices, strengthening the protection of workers’ rights, and enhancing cross-border cooperation.
“Combating trafficking in persons requires addressing risks across the entire recruitment and employment cycle, recognizing that such practices often originate in countries of origin or transit. Strengthening cooperation between the GCC and the East and Horn of Africa is essential to improving recruitment systems, enhancing worker protection, and advancing decent work in line with international standards.”
Skills
Mohammed bin Hassan Al Obaidli, Director General of the Executive Bureau, affirmed that GCC countries attach great importance to aligning labour market needs with workforce skills.
This includes investing in training, adopting objective professional standards, and linking wages to competency and skills.
He added that these measures contribute to human capital development and support pathways toward sustainable economic and social development.
“Responsible recruitment builds trust and resilience across labour markets. By aligning regional efforts with international frameworks, we can support ethical recruitment practices,” said Aishath Ihma Shareef, IOM Chief of Mission in Bahrain.
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