Strategic workshop for building the capacity of employment counsellors in Mauritius

Mauritius (ILO Info), December 2, 2024 – The workshop on building capacity of employment counsellors in Mauritius begun on December 2, 2024, with the presence of Mr Frederick MUIA, Country Director of the ILO Office for Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles. This initiative supports the Government of Mauritius in its efforts to enhance the quality of employment services.

Mauritius is one of the few countries in the SADC region with a strong public employment service.

In his speech, Mr Muia congratulated the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, Mr. Mohammad Cassam Reza UTEEM, on his appointment to the post, and assured him of the ILO's commitment to working with him to implement the National Employment Policy and develop the second-generation Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for Mauritius. Public employment services, being key institutions for implementing government employment and labour market policies, benefit particularly from this timely training.

Importance of International Labour Standards

International labour standards play a crucial role in promoting decent work and social justice. The public employment service of Mauritius is aligned with the Employment Services Convention, 1948 (No. 88), ratified in 2004. Although Mauritius has not yet ratified the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), the 2023 law on private recruitment agencies reflects its principles, notably the prohibition of charging fees to jobseekers. Together, these conventions create an environment conducive to the effective functioning of the labour market while protecting workers and ensuring a balanced playing field for employers.

The ILO Governing Body has launched a global campaign for the ratification and implementation of these conventions. Mauritius could easily ratify C181, and the ILO stands ready to provide support if needed.

Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP)

The training is part of the ongoing Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP). The DWCP aims to promote decent work for workers in Mauritius, and the training of employment counsellors is a key component of this effort. By enhancing their skills and knowledge, employment counsellors will be better equipped to provide high-quality services to workers and employers, contributing to the creation of decent work opportunities. This will, in turn, promote economic growth, reduce poverty and inequality, and improve the overall well-being of the population.

Collaboration with France Travail

A big thank you to France Travail, the French public employment service, for their collaboration at this event. This partnership exemplifies the cordial relations between France and the ILO, materialized through the memorandum of understanding signed with France Travail. This memorandum includes the joint implementation of technical advisory and capacity-building services to ILO member states.

Importance of Collaboration and Partnership

Collaboration and partnership are essential to achieving common goals. The ILO is committed to working with the Government of Mauritius and other stakeholders to promote decent work and social justice. "This workshop is a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices, and to strengthen our partnership in promoting employment and vocational training development in Mauritius," highlighted Mr. Frederick MUIA.