The Migrant Workers Association of Lesotho says Basotho living and working in South Africa face challenges including lack of documentation, limited access to healthcare and education, and labour exploitation.
The association describes the situation as a national crisis, saying government structures responsible for diaspora affairs and human trafficking lack adequate funding, staff and authority.
It is calling for the Diaspora Department and Human Trafficking Unit to be moved to the Office of the Prime Minister, labour attachés to be appointed in South Africa, and a single office to facilitate former mineworkers’ and UIF benefits.
The association says remittances from Basotho migrants contribute between 15 and 20 percent of Lesotho’s GDP, amounting to more than US$300 million annually.
