BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – For Eswatini to develop, proper information pertaining to migration is needed.
This was said by Minister for Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe yesterday when launching the Migration Profile in Ezulwini.
According to Eswatini TV, the Minister, who was speaking through Ministry of Home Affairs Principal Secretary Nhlanhla Nxumalo, said the Migration Profile, which is the first of its kind in the country, would help Eswatini’s policy makers to formulate the right policies that would help the migration sector in the country.
The Minister further said the profile would help on issues of diaspora and remittances, while also helping gather more information on people who used Eswatini as a country of origin, transit, or destination when travelling.
According to information sourced from the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Facebook page, the Minister spoke about the importance of understanding the dynamics of migration within Eswatini’s borders to maximise the beneficial impacts while minimising potential downsides.
“With the comprehensive data provided by the Migration Profile, we can better utilize the positive effects of migration while reducing any potential negative effects,” she said. “Understanding the intricate patterns and dynamics of migration is crucial for our nation’s policymaking and decision-making processes.”
The minister expressed hope that the migration profile would serve as a valuable resource for future endeavors to develop an all-encompassing national migration policy. This policy aims to address the multifaceted aspects of migration and provide a framework for effective management, protection, and integration of migrants within Eswatini.
Moreover, the Migration Profile is expected to shed light on the role of remittances and the diaspora in the country’s growth. Princess Lindiwe emphasised the importance of grasping the impact of migration on Eswatini as a country of origin, transit, and destination.
By understanding the larger effects of migration, policymakers can devise strategies to harness its positive aspects, foster economic development, and ensure the well-being of both migrants and local communities.
The launch of the Eswatini Migration Profile represents a significant step forward in the nation’s commitment to addressing migration-related challenges and opportunities. It highlights the government’s dedication to evidence-based policymaking and its recognition of the crucial role migration plays in shaping societies.
As the nation ushers in this groundbreaking resource, Eswatini’s policymakers stand poised to navigate the complex landscape of migration, aiming to cultivate an inclusive and prosperous society that benefits all individuals residing within it, according to the Minister.
