The National Migration Policy 2022 provides a comprehensive framework for managing migration in Zambia. It aims to harness the benefits of migration for national development while addressing associated challenges such as irregular migration, human trafficking, and border security. The policy aligns with regional and international migration agreements while ensuring that migration policies reflect Zambia’s socio-economic priorities.
Key Objectives
The policy seeks to:
✅ Strengthen legal and institutional frameworks for effective migration governance.
✅ Enhance border security and management to combat illegal migration.
✅ Promote orderly and fair labour migration to protect migrant workers’ rights.
✅ Improve refugee protection and integration while upholding international obligations.
✅ Prevent human trafficking and smuggling through stronger enforcement and victim support.
✅ Engage the Zambian diaspora for investment, skills transfer, and development contributions.
✅ Improve data collection and migration research to support evidence-based policymaking.
✅ Foster international and regional cooperation on migration-related issues.
Key Policy Areas & Strategies
1. Legal and Institutional Framework
- Strengthening laws and policies to align with international and regional migration agreements.
- Establishing a National Migration Coordination Mechanism to oversee migration governance.
- Enhancing institutional capacities for better migration management.
2. Border Management & Security
- Improving border control systems and infrastructure to prevent irregular migration.
- Strengthening inter-agency collaboration for efficient border surveillance.
- Implementing modern biometric and digital migration systems to track movements.
3. Labour Migration
- Establishing a transparent system for recruiting foreign workers while protecting local employment.
- Ensuring fair wages and working conditions for Zambians working abroad.
- Strengthening skills recognition agreements for returning Zambian migrants.
4. Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Internally Displaced Persons
- Upholding refugee rights and obligations under international conventions (e.g., the 1951 Refugee Convention).
- Promoting the self-reliance and local integration of refugees through education, employment, and social services.
- Strengthening Zambia’s asylum procedures for fair and timely processing.
5. Human Trafficking & Migrant Smuggling
- Strengthening laws and penalties against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
- Enhancing border patrols to detect and prevent trafficking networks.
- Providing victim protection services, including shelters, rehabilitation, and legal aid.
6. Diaspora Engagement & Remittances
- Encouraging Zambians in the diaspora to invest in Zambia’s economy.
- Establishing programs for skills and technology transfer from Zambians abroad.
- Strengthening banking and financial mechanisms to facilitate remittances.
7. Migration Data, Research & Policy Development
- Improving migration statistics through data collection and digital registration systems.
- Establishing partnerships with universities and research institutions for migration studies.
- Using migration data to inform policies on employment, education, and urban planning.
8. International & Regional Cooperation
- Strengthening Zambia’s participation in regional migration agreements (e.g., SADC, AU frameworks).
- Enhancing cooperation with bordering countries to manage cross-border migration.
- Collaborating with the United Nations and international agencies on refugee protection and migration governance.
Why This Policy Matters
🔹 Protects migrant workers, refugees, and vulnerable populations.
🔹 Strengthens border security to prevent irregular migration.
🔹 Leverages migration for economic development through diaspora investment.
🔹 Enhances Zambia’s global standing in migration governance.
