Cairo, October 6 - The Executive Office of the Ministers of Labor in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (Executive Office) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) signed a memorandum of understanding that reflects the commitment of both parties to developing and strengthening joint cooperation in areas related to achieving safe pathways for labor movement and developing work environment.

The memorandum, which was signed at IOM’s regional office in Cairo, is a demonstration of IOM’s keenness to work with the GCC countries and the Executive Office in multiple areas such as raising capacities, training, technical cooperation, and enhancing regional dialogue on issues related to labor mobility.

It also comes under the Executive Office’s commitment to support joint Gulf action, and to enhance ways of cooperation with all regional and international bodies concerned with the workforce.

“Signing the memorandum of understanding with IOM comes within the framework of the strategic directions of the Committee of Labor Ministers and the Executive Office aimed at expanding partnerships and cooperation with regional and international organizations,” said Mr. Muhammad bin Hassan Al-Obaidly, the General Director of the Executive Office.

Mr. Al-Obaidly praised the efforts made by the International Organization for Migration, represented by its regional office, within the framework of improving the paths of labor movement and migration in the Arab region.

He pointed out that the Executive Office, in its capacity as the technical arm of the Committee of Ministers of Labor and Ministers of Social Affairs in the GCC countries, is ready to strengthen these partnerships through joint activities and projects that will benefit all parties.

“This memorandum is an important step to advance joint work with the GCC countries. We look forward to activating the agreement in a way that serves the common priorities of both the GCC countries and IOM and work to make migration a positive factor in the development process in the region,” said Mr. Othman Belbeisi, IOM’s Regional Director for Middle East and North Africa.

“Our ongoing cooperation with the GCC countries has witnessed important positive developments, one of which is this memorandum. IOM stands ready to support the countries of the region in order to achieve the maximum benefit from migration and enhance its good governance,” he added.

The Executive Office and IOM look forward to continuing this joint cooperation, in order to enhance the office’s effective role as an organization concerned with cooperation and integration among the GCC countries in the areas of labor and social development, and responsible for concluding strategic partnerships and representing member states in Arab and international forums in the areas of labor and social development. 

As well as in line with IOM’s role and commitment to the principle of orderly human migration that benefits migrants and society, and its tireless work to enhance understanding of migration issues and encourage social and economic development in the region.

Fore more information, please contact Tamim Elyan at telyan@iom.int