International diplomatic engagements
Social protection and migrant workers’ rights
In recognition of social protection and migrant workers' rights, the validated policy specifically recognises:
- Protection of migrant workers and their families
- Promotion of diaspora welfare
- Safeguarding social protection rights
- Coordination of migration management frameworks
- Strengthening regional cooperation in diaspora affairs
Next policy steps
The meeting recommended that the 14th Joint Sectoral Council:
consider and adopt the Draft EAC Diaspora Policy; and
direct the EAC Secretariat to convene a technical meeting to finalise the Diaspora Policy Implementation Plan.
Significance to the Fund
The validated policy strengthens the basis for future regional initiatives on:
Cross-border social security portability
Pension transfer arrangements
Social protection for migrant workers
Social security coordination among EAC Partner States
Diaspora participation in long-term savings and investment programmes
Regional labour mobility frameworks
Strategic implications
Collectively, the four meetings establish a strong regional policy towards:
- Expansion of social protection coverage across the EAC
- Harmonisation of labour migration and social affairs policies
- Protection of migrant workers and diaspora populations
- Development of social security portability arrangements
- Promotion of cross-border labour mobility
- Increased opportunities for regional coordination among social security institutions
- Strengthened legal and institutional foundations for transfer of pension and social security benefits across borders