A Regional International Labour Organisation Documentation and Research Centre is to be set up in Mauritius

A Regional International Labour Organisation (ILO) Documentation and Research Centre is to be set up in Mauritius. The centre will provide education, training and documentation facilities and on-line information access to all employers, employees and students in the Sub- Saharan region, according to Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment, Mr Shakeel Mohamed.

The minister was briefing the press yesterday about his recent mission to Geneva where he attended the 100th session of the International Labour Conference. The minister pointed out that the government has already agreed that part of the former headquarters of the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation located in Curepipe will be used to accommodate the centre.

In addition, he said there was a possibility the centre could also be used for some training activities. Mr Mohamed told the media he made an appeal to the international community and the ILO to take the lead in creating a special financial instrument in order to compensate migrant workers worldwide who find themselves in difficulties.

While in Geneva he also had several meetings with prominent figures on labour and employment matters. During a meeting with the Director General of the ILO, Mr Juan Somavia, the minister discussed the various initiatives in Mauritius as regards labour and employment, mainly the forthcoming amendments to be made to labour legislation.

Circular migration was at the forefront of the conference. Minister Mohamed discussed the existing programmes with France and Canada and the avenues for further employment opportunities to help Mauritius in its endeavour to pursue migration policies.