Madagascar gov't lifts ban on work visas to some countries

The government of Madagascar has lifted the ban on work visas imposed on citizens wishing to visit certain countries in the Gulf.

The government ban was issued in 2015.

The country’s Department of Employment which made the announcement indicates that new criteria have been put in place to avoid cases of abuse against Malagasy women.

Scandals had erupted two years ago in the media mostly in Kuwait and in Lebanon in which some 30 workers lost their lives.

The authorities in the country said the objective is to better prepare workers to understand the culture of the host country.

They explained that approval for placement agencies will be renewable every two years. They also noted that the criteria for selection of intermediary organizations have been tightened.

From a recent figure, out of the 40 applicants received, only 11 were selected.

According to the government, the measures are necessary to better regulate the citizens who plan to migrate to other countries.

They said the idea is that “migrating abroad must be an opportunity and not perceived as a misfortune”.

With the new policy, candidates who plan to depart to other countries would be expected to go to one of the placement agencies approved by the government and practice a minimum of two foreign languages. The visas will then be directly issued by the Department of Employment.