National

The Algerian government announced a new law on "human trafficking," which included penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment.  It calls for a national strategy to prevent human trafficking, asserting the need to harness all necessary efforts and capabilities to implement the new law. The new law stipulated that the state accompany victims of human trafficking and provide them with health, psychological, social, and legal assistance and care. It must also facilitate their reintegration into society, with particular attention to women, children, and people with special needs, considering their age and gender. Victims are treated free of charge by public health institutions. Observers noted that the law targeted people who employ sub-Saharan nationals in their homes, or construction sites, especially since their rights are often violated illegally. Each year, thousands of sub-Saharan citizens enter Algeria.

Determines the nationalised jobs in each of the work sectors, in light of the nationalisation plans and nationalisation rates in each of them.

The labor authorities in Morocco have launched a short-term work authorization (STWA) which allows foreign nationals to conduct employment activities, including hands-on work, for up to three months for an employer in Morocco. The STWA will make it easier for foreign nationals to perform urgent, short-term work for an employer in Morocco, as the administrative requirements are less cumbersome than obtaining a long-term work permit.

The law specifies that migrants who do not benefit from the provisions of the Social Protection Law, are entitled to a gratuity of not less than a basic salary for each year of service. Previously, the gratuity was half a month’s wage for each year for the first three years and a month’s wage per year for every subsequent year. The new labor law explicitly mandates a 60-day period during which the employer holds the responsibility to arrange the repatriation of migrant workers. Previously, the law noted no timeframe for repatriation. Importantly, migrant workers who initiate legal proceedings to recover their dues from the employer now have to retain the right to stay in Oman until the claim is decided upon. All costs associated with staying in Oman in such cases are borne by the worker.

Establishment of a Permanent Committee for Refugee Affairs to provide optimal services and assistance to all refugees

This law significantly expands protection to migrant workers in Oman, who represent over three quarters of the country’s working population. Migrant workers will be covered for employment injury, maternity and sickness under the same terms as national workers. For the first time in the region, a national provident fund will also be established to administer end-of-service benefits to migrant workers. 

The country has abolished its 2016 FlexiPermit system, which allowed expatriates to enter and reside in the country for two years without a predetermined employer.

The new decision removes restrictions on the provision of health insurance to expatriates over 60 of the listed companies.

The Government of Djibouti and IOM inaugurated a new facility in the capital of Djibouti to house the headquarters of the National Office of Assistance to Refugees and Disaster Victims (ONARS) a structure under the Ministry of the Interior. The new office is expected to strengthen ONARS’ operational support and assistance for refugees, asylum seekers and disaster victims, including migrants, throughout the country.

The new system of entry and residence aims at attracting and retaining global talents and skilled workers.