Malawi’s labour export programme has seen 15 000 young people apply for jobs in foreign countries despite Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) advising Capital Hill to halt the programme fearing workers would be subjected to abuse and exploitation by the host countries.
But government says the programme will address the rising unemployment rates in the country, especially among the youths.
Minister of Labour Eunice Makangala told The Nation that her ministry has received 5 000 applications for jobs in South Korea against government’s required 320 posts.
Makangala added that 10 000 others are raring to work in the hospitality industry such as waiters, receptionists and housekeepers in the Middle Eastern countries of Dubai and Kuwait.
“We’re very overwhelmed because for the Dubai and Kuwait trip, we need 120 [60 boys and 60 girls] only. But mind you, this is just the first phase, so, there’s no need for those left out to worry as they can be considered in the second phase, which will be end of this month,” she said.
She indicated that the first group to South Korea is supposed to leave this month end because their services are needed soon.
Minister of Youth and Sports Enoch Chihana was recently quoted as saying, up to 80 percent of secondary school graduates cannot find employment as the job market is too small.
