Migration for Sustainable Development

The primary goal of Migration for Development is to enhance government institutions' capacity to effectively manage migration, thereby contributing to National Developmental objectives.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development acknowledges migration as a significant driver of sustainable development, providing skills, labour, investments, cultural diversity, and financial resources. However, the relationship between migration and development is complex, with political, social, and economic processes determining migration patterns and potential risks for migrants and communities.

The International Organization for Migration and Migration for Development

Migration for Development is about maximizing the positive relationship which exists between migration and development and has long been a strategic focus of the work of IOM. The objective of IOM’s Migration and Development Programme is to contribute to the work of the international community to harness the development potential of migration, for the benefit of both societies and migrants and to contribute to sustainable development and poverty reduction. 

Tanzania, like many other African countries, faces a significant development challenge due to the loss of valuable human resources due to high emigration flows, impacting sectors like health and education. This leads to a skilled professional gap. Efforts are being made to address this issue and explore new ways for diaspora to contribute to their countries' development through capital, ideas, skills, and technology. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) initiated Migration for Development in Africa MIDA more than 10 years ago to address brain drain by engaging diaspora in short-term assignments, knowledge transfer, and remittance investment. In Tanzania, the MIDA team focuses on diaspora matters, remittances, and labour migration.

Enhancing the migration evidence base for the development of Tanzania

Enhancing the Migration Evidence Base for the Development of Tanzania

More than 70 countries use migration profiles for economic and social development. These concise reports provide a clear overview of migration in Tanzania, reflecting input from various stakeholders.

These publications reflect the migration situation in Tanzania, including:

• Migration trends
• Impacts of development
• Government framework, including policy and international cooperation initiatives.

Policy and international cooperation initiatives:

• Diaspora engagement ‐ return of qualified nationals to Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania‐ Following a Border Control and Migration Management assessment conducted by IOM in Zanzibar and mainland, the importance of diaspora engagement became increasingly evident. Stakeholders emphasize the significance of diaspora engagement through temporary return schemes and strengthening institutional linkages, especially in health and education, to promote development.
• Diaspora policy for  Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar -To formulate a comprehensive diaspora policy, which will serve as guiding tool for future implementation of activities.
• Labour migration programme –IOM Tanzania is prepared to provide Tanzania with policy advice, capacity building, information dissemination, awareness-raising, and recruitment facilitation for labour migration management.

 

Why does Tanzania need a migration profile?

• Limited data hinders analysis of migration impact in Tanzania.
• Policymakers must rely on Migration Profiles for comprehensive evidence on migration patterns to inform effective policies and promote positive impacts on development.
• Starting dialogues and taking concrete steps are crucial for utilizing migration benefits across development areas.

 

What is a Diaspora Web Portal?

The website aims to facilitate communication between Tanzanians living abroad and the GoT, offering resources for diaspora members to participate in Tanzania's development activities, including job skills matching.