Lesotho and the State of Qatar have reached an agreement on a Bilateral Labour Agreement (BLA) that will regulate the recruitment and employment of Basotho workers in Qatar. The accord marks a major step in formalizing labour relations between the two nations and ensuring the protection and welfare of migrant workers.
The agreement establishes a clear framework for the management of manpower, outlining the responsibilities of both countries regarding recruitment, contracts, and working conditions. It provides a structured system for the employment of Basotho nationals in Qatar, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and respect for workers’ rights.
The BLA will govern the terms of employment contracts and ensure that both employers and employees operate under clear regulations aligned with international labour standards. It aims to reduce exploitation and irregular migration while creating legal pathways for Basotho to access employment opportunities abroad.
According to officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the agreement aligns with Lesotho’s national priorities, particularly addressing youth unemployment and promoting dignified labour migration. With a growing number of Basotho youth seeking job opportunities outside the country, the BLA offers a safer and more organized system for overseas employment.
The deal is expected to be implemented before the end of the year, paving the way for recruitment under regulated procedures. Lesotho’s government has indicated that the agreement will also include mechanisms for monitoring compliance, dispute resolution, and the repatriation of workers when their contracts end.
This development follows Lesotho’s broader efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on labour migration. By entering such agreements, the government aims to expand employment opportunities, secure better working conditions, and ensure that migrant workers contribute to the national economy through remittances.
Officials from both countries expressed optimism that the BLA will deepen cooperation in labour and economic development. Qatar continues to attract foreign workers in various sectors, including construction, hospitality, and services, while Lesotho seeks to build a framework that benefits its workforce and strengthens international partnerships.
The signing of the Bilateral Labour Agreement represents progress toward sustainable labour migration governance and improved protection for Basotho citizens working abroad. It is also expected to foster mutual growth and strengthen diplomatic ties between Lesotho and Qatar.
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