The Comprehensive Information and Orientation Programme (CIOP) Background Reports and Regional Guides have been launched during the 5^th Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) Ministerial Consultation in the UAE on the 16-17 October. The development and publication of the Reports and Regional Guides, was made possible with the support the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).The newly launched set of Reports and Guides are designed to provide readers with an overview of migrant worker orientation programmes and approaches in select ADD member states across the temporary contractual workers’ journey. This begins at the time of temporary contractual workers’ deciding on foreign employment, to preparing to leave their home country and their subsequent arrival to the country of destination.

The Background Reports were developed to give an overview on the various orientation services and programmes provided to temporary contractual workers. Additionally, the reports elaborate on the contents of the current existing orientation services, best practices across select ADD member states and recommended approaches to employ when delivering orientation programmes. As a complementary source of information, the Regional Guides and Management Systems propose a series of modules that will contribute to the conceptualization and enhancement of efficient orientation programmes.

The Reports and Regional Guides were developed as key deliverables of the CIOP. The latter, which is an innovative project, aims to educate temporary contractual workers and further strengthen their protection and integration into the labour market in ADD countries of destination. The products will address relevant information gaps and possible misinformation at key junctions in the migration life cycle. These measures will not only support informed decision-making but will also equip workers with information on local labour laws, socio-cultural norms and practices that will contribute towards reducing barriers to integration in the workforce and within host societies in countries of destination. CIOP will also support the preparedness of temporary contractual workers to work abroad and will aid them in navigating different norms, practices and day-to-day life of a new country. This will reduce, as a result, social friction and conflicts with employers and local communities, as well as ease any associated costs and burdens.

“The launch of the CIOP reports has come to fruition after deliberate consultations with relevant stakeholders and the continuous engagement with partners and governments alike. The CIOP reports propose recommendations for governments and stakeholders of both Countries of Origin and Countries of Destination on how to approach orientation as a learning continuum. The recommendations provided offer an outlook on best practices, as well as effective delivery mechanisms that can contribute to Temporary Contractual Workers’ knowledge retention and sound decision-making when choosing to pursue foreign employment. Moreover, IOM believes that the reports will pose as a key resource for ADD members states to further enhance and develop orientation programmes.”  Said Mr. Mohamed El Zarkani, Chief of Mission at IOM Bahrain when asked about the implications of launching the CIOP reports.

Set to launch in 2020, CIOP’s piloting phase will build on the Background Reports and Regional Guides to provide an all-inclusive insight and analysis to the benefits that a tailored and comprehensive orientation can have on relevant stakeholders. Planned to take place in Bangladesh, the Philippines, Saudi Arabic, Sri Lanka and the UAE, the pilot is developed to provide technical support through training national master trainers and developing tools and instruments that will support in the implementation of customized and coordinated orientation programmes. "The delivery of these reports represents a significant step forward in the development of a corridor-specific approach to information orientation and provision in Abu Dhabi Dialogue countries.”  Said HE. Omar Al- Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communication and International Relations. “For the first time, Member States of the ADD are able to provide temporary migrant workers with the information that they need at every stage of the migration journey, confident in the knowledge that it is coherent and comprehensive. This will, we believe, go a long way towards empowering temporary migrant workers to make decisions that lead to better outcomes for themselves and their families." 

A representative from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) commented on the launch of the reports by stating that “Access to accurate, reliable and adequate information enables migrant workers and their families to make informed decisions, safeguard their rights and protect themselves throughout the migration cycle.” Said Mr. Benil Thavarasa, Head of Migration and Development unit at the SDC “The SDC congratulates the member states of the Colombo Process and Abu Dhabi Dialogue for their efforts to improve access to information by developing and implementing programs that allow for a comprehensive information and orientation of migrants and their families. “SDC is privileged to support these initiatives and would like to express its appreciation to the IOM for providing technical support and guidance. SDC looks forward to a continued collaboration with governments in South and South East Asia to support migrant workers and their families to make the most out of their migration experience.” Said Mr. Benil Thavarasa, Head of Migration and Development unit at SDC.” Continued Mr. Thavarasa.

IOM and ADD member states have a long-standing partnership in areas that focus on migration governance, skills harmonization, ethical recruitment, and now expanding to orientation services.

For more information please contact Mohamed El Zarkani at IOM Bahrain, Tel: +973 317 27 83 20, Email: melzarkani@iom.int