Zambia, South Africa sign deal to protect migrant workers' rights

Zambia and South Africa have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at protecting migrant workers' rights in the two countries, a senior official said on Thursday.

The memorandum of understanding will ensure the protection of their nationals working in either of the two countries.

The Zambian Embassy in South Africa said in a statement that the memorandum of understanding defines the basis for institutional relations under which cooperation would be developed between the two countries in the fields of employment, labor and social security.

Other areas of cooperation will include collective bargaining, dispute resolution system, and labor inspections, according to the statement released by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations Nicky Shabolyo.

The memorandum of understanding will also cover social dialogue, labor market information, occupational health and safety, HIV/AIDS and wellness in the workplace, he added.

The memorandum of understanding also includes international labor cooperation, social security relating to unemployment, insurance and cooperation as well as productivity.

Zambia's Minister of Labor and Social Security Fackson Shamenda signed on behalf of his government while his counterpart, Mildred Oliphant, signed on behalf of her government. Endit