Pass National Migration Policy, Gov't urged

Government has been challenged to hasten the passing of the National Migration Policy that is aimed at regulating and coordinating migration in the country.

The country is home to thousands of foreigners who have decided to call the pearl of Africa home.

The National Migration policy which was to address irregular migration, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, labor migration, diaspora engagement is yet to get approval.

Ambassador Philip Ochen,the head of diaspora affairs in the migration, said "insufficient data on legal and illegal migrants has affected the policy. "

Ochen further noted that unregulated movements are affecting the country's economic and social development.

"The host country has to provide food,settlement and this affects the resource."

Uganda is also a source of migrant workers, with more youth travelling to the Middle East annually in search of a better life. Many however return with hallowing tales of torture and exploitation by their Arab employers.

Agnes Igoye, the deputy national coordinator counter trafficking and head of immigration training academy said government must ensure the protection of it's citizens seeking employment elsewhere.

"We cannot stop people from migrating but we want people to move orderly with the right documents." Igoye said

"We encourage the government of Uganda to protect Ugandans that go to the Middle East to seek Jobs. "said Elisa Crowe, IOM AG chief of mission.

The international organisation of migration has been on the forefront to sensitise and call for humane and orderly migration. Elisa expressed her concern over the number of migrants that keeps rising despite local and international interventions.

"We hope by next year, the national immigration policy is passed to regulate and coordinate migrants . " Elisa said.

Globally, the number of migrants is on the rise, with west Africa and Middle East providing more asylum to seekers in Europe than other regions.