Somalia has reached a major milestone in the fight for workers’ rights after the Cabinet approved the country’s first-ever National Labour Migration Policy. The move, celebrated by labor advocates and international partners, promises to transform the lives of thousands of Somali migrant workers who have long faced exploitation, abuse, and unfair treatment abroad.

The policy, finalized after months of consultations led by Somalia’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MOLSA), sets clear rules to ensure safe and legal employment opportunities for Somalis working overseas. It represents a significant shift for a nation where economic hardship and instability have pushed many to seek jobs abroad, often in dangerous or degrading conditions.

“This isn’t just paperwork, it’s about real protection for our people,” a MOLSA spokesperson said during the policy’s official launch in Mogadishu. “Somali workers have suffered for too long. This policy is our commitment to their dignity and safety.”

For years, Somali migrant workers, particularly those in the Gulf states, have reported widespread abuse—including unpaid wages, forced labor, confiscated passports, and physical mistreatment. Many leave home desperate for income, only to find themselves trapped in jobs with no legal protections.

The new policy seeks to change that by establishing stronger government oversight, cracking down on illegal recruitment agencies, and ensuring fair contracts. It also aligns Somalia with international labor standards, a crucial step for a country rebuilding after decades of conflict.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) played a key role in shaping the policy, with support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office through the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) project. “This is a major achievement for Somalia and a model for other nations facing similar challenges,” an ILO representative said.

Somalia’s economy relies heavily on remittances from workers abroad, which make up nearly a third of the country’s GDP. Yet, until now, those workers had little legal protection. The new policy aims to make migration safer and more beneficial for both workers and the country’s economy.

“This gives us hope,” said Farah Aden, a Somali construction worker who spent years in Qatar with no legal recourse when his employer withheld his salary. “If this policy had existed back then, maybe I wouldn’t have suffered so much.”

Young Somalis, in particular, see the policy as a game-changer. With unemployment high and opportunities scarce, many risk dangerous migration routes to find work. Now, there’s a chance for legal, regulated pathways instead.

Despite the optimism, some doubt whether the government can enforce the policy effectively. Somalia still struggles with weak institutions, corruption, and a lack of resources. Illegal recruiters and exploitative employers have operated with impunity for years, changing that won’t be easy.

“A policy is only as good as its implementation,” said Hodan Ahmed, a labor rights activist in Mogadishu. “We need real enforcement, not just words on paper.”

The government acknowledges the challenges but insists this is just the beginning. Plans are already underway to train officials, strengthen labor inspections, and collaborate with destination countries to protect Somali workers abroad.

Somalia’s move reflects a broader trend in Africa, where more nations are pushing for regulated labor migration systems. Countries like Ethiopia and Kenya have also introduced reforms to protect their citizens working overseas.

For Somalia, a country often associated with crisis, this policy signals progress. It shows that even amid instability, change is possible.

“This is about justice,” said the MOLSA spokesperson. “Our workers sacrifice so much for their families and our economy. They deserve respect, fair treatment, and the right to return home safely.”

The real test begins now, turning policy into action. The government must work closely with international partners, employers, and migrant communities to ensure the rules are followed.

If successful, Somalia could set an example for other fragile states struggling to protect their workers abroad. For now, the policy stands as a beacon of hope for thousands who have waited far too long for justice.

As Farah Aden put it: “Maybe my children won’t have to go through what I did. That’s all we want, a fair chance.”