Opposition leaders and rights groups in Malawi have criticized President Lazarus Chakwera’s government for dispatching 221 young Malawians to work on Israeli farms.
The decision, made following Israel’s $60 million aid package to aid Malawi’s economic recovery, has drawn backlash due to concerns about the deal’s secrecy and potential risks to citizens amidst Israel’s conflict with the Palestinian Hamas group.
Opposition leader Kondwani Nankhumwa expressed concern about sending individuals to a conflict zone like Israel, especially when some nations are withdrawing their labor forces from the area.
He questioned the government’s secrecy surrounding the deal, highlighting that parliament was only informed about a plan to send workers to an undisclosed country on November 22.
In defense of the move, the government stated that it aims to export Malawian labor to Israel and other nations as part of its commitment to creating jobs and empowering the youth.
Assurances were given regarding the safety of the workers, citing designated safe locations for work, along with provisions for medical insurance and repatriation protection.
The labor export initiative occurs amid an economic crisis in Malawi marked by a 44% currency devaluation and significant cost-cutting measures implemented by President Chakwera.
Source-BBC
