Passport for employment!

The scramble to obtain a passport for those who are keen to secure employment in foreign countries is unavoidable, in view of the deteriorating economic predicament of our country. The plight of those men and women who stand in long queues over days is rather disconcerting. The Department of Immigration and Emigration is faced with an unprecedent deluge of applicants for passports, as a considerable contingent of our labour force is exploring the possibility of securing employment abroad to tide over the prevailing economic crisis that they encounter to earn a decent livelihood. One cannot underestimate the contribution that our expatriate workforce makes to the economic progress of our country.

The present trend of worker remittances showed recovery levels from the April 2022 figure; this is still lower than what was received a year ago, it is hoped that this trend will be a positive indicator.

In the present context of people having to contend with scarcity of their basic needs and a dwindling income, the prospect of our labour force migrating in search of greener pastures, will be a welcome stimulus to our ailing economy. Our think tank of economic experts are looking at various options to revive the economy such as relief from the IMF intervention and other donor countries who are supportive towards us. The enthusiasm shown by our labour force to seek foreign employment is noteworthy and should be facilitated optimally.

The government’s expectation to woo foreign remittances to boost the US Dollar savings is sine qua non, and it is here that our valuable human capital will have to be used prudently.