Sierra Leone, represented by delegates from the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, participated in the First Doha Dialogue on May 21, 2024. This significant event brought together African Union Member States, Gulf countries, Jordan, and Lebanon to enhance labour mobility.

### Purpose and Initiators

The dialogue was initiated by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in collaboration with the African Union (AU). The primary aim of the meeting was to facilitate the exchange of experiences and ideas to improve inter-regional labour mobility, fostering a cooperative approach to address the challenges and opportunities in labour migration.

### Key Discussions and Objectives

Participants engaged in discussions focused on sharing new ideas and best practices that could enhance the contractual work cycle for migrant workers. The dialogue, running from May 21 to May 22, 2024, also aimed at establishing human rights-based protection measures. These measures are intended to ensure mutual benefits for both the sending and receiving regions, thereby enhancing developmental relationships.

### Importance of the Dialogue

The conference served as an important platform for public discourse between African countries, which are the origins of many migrant workers, and key Middle Eastern destinations such as the GCC countries, Jordan, and Lebanon. It aimed to strengthen cooperation efforts and foster partnerships that benefit all parties involved in the labour migration process.

### Expected Outcomes

The Doha Dialogue is expected to result in actionable strategies and partnerships aimed at improving conditions and protections for migrant workers. By fostering a cooperative approach, the initiative aspires to create a more sustainable and humane framework for labour migration. This framework acknowledges the contributions of migrant workers and ensures their well-being, thereby promoting a balanced and fair labour mobility system.

### Future Prospects

The outcomes of this dialogue could lead to significant improvements in labour mobility policies, enhancing the overall migration experience for workers and ensuring their rights and protections are upheld. The collaboration between the AU, GCC, and other participating countries marks a step forward in addressing the complex issues surrounding labour migration and setting a precedent for future dialogues and cooperation in this area.