Dominica Advance Policy to Strengthen Integration of Migrant Labour in the Agricultural Sector

As Dominica continues efforts to strengthen agricultural production and food security, stakeholders from across government, agriculture and civil society have come together to help shape a more coordinated approach to the integration of migrant labour within the sector.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Dominica, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, hosted a Technical Validation Workshop on the Policy and Action Plan for Integrating Migrant Labour into the Agricultural Sector of Dominica at the Prevost Cinemall.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders to review the draft policy and action plan, identify gaps and provide recommendations to ensure that the proposed framework responds to the realities of farmers, migrant workers and the agencies responsible for managing labour migration.

The activity forms part of the Development of the Agricultural Sector in Dominica by Strengthening Migration Governance initiative.

In her opening remarks, Viola Pascal, Project Coordinator at IOM Dominica, explained that the development of the policy and action plan was informed by a gender-sensitive agriculture labour assessment, which captured the experiences and perspectives of stakeholders across the sector.

Pascal noted that labour shortages and demographic changes have made migrant workers increasingly important to agricultural productivity and food security. She emphasized, however, that an effective system requires clear policies, stronger coordination, decent working conditions and appropriate protections for migrant workers.

“This policy and action plan being developed by the government with the support of IOM is a key step towards streamlining this process.”

The Honourable Roland Royer, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, identified access to reliable agricultural labour as one of the challenges affecting farmers and Dominica’s efforts to increase food production.

Minister Royer revealed that through the Government’s existing migrant farm labour programme, approximately 189 migrant workers have entered Dominica, benefiting 47 farmers.

He emphasized that migrant workers are not intended to replace Dominican workers, but rather to help address labour gaps where sufficient local labour is unavailable.

The Minister also pointed to the need for a broader transformation of the agricultural sector through increased mechanization, greater use of technology and the creation of more opportunities for young Dominicans to see agriculture as a viable and attractive livelihood.

“What we need is a system that is clear, coordinated, accountable, and responsive to the needs of all farmers while protecting the rights and welfare of workers.”

The workshop provided stakeholders with an opportunity to examine the proposed framework in detail.

Dr. Schuyler Esprit, Head Consultant at Create Caribbean, facilitated the first technical session, which focused on the proposed Policy for the Integration of Migrant Labour in the Agriculture Sector of Dominica. A second technical session, facilitated by the Project Manager and Research Assistant  from Create Caribbean, allowed participants to examine the action plan developed for the implementation of the policy and to provide recommendations.

For participants, the discussions also reinforced the importance of ensuring that different sectors and perspectives are represented as Dominica develops its approach to migrant agricultural labour.

LeSean Peter, representing the Dominica National Council of Women, described the workshop as insightful and highlighted the importance of creating spaces where stakeholders can raise difficult questions and contribute meaningfully to the policy development process.

Emmanuel Joseph, Agriculture Officer responsible for the East Agricultural Region, noted that the discussions demonstrated the cross-sectoral nature of migrant labour. While agriculture remains at the centre of the policy, he highlighted the important roles of other areas, including health, labour and national security.

The Technical Validation Workshop represents another step towards establishing a structured approach to migrant agricultural labour that responds to the needs of farmers while safeguarding the rights and welfare of migrant workers.

Through continued collaboration with the Government of Dominica and stakeholders across the sector, IOM Dominica will support the finalization of the policy and action plan, with the aim of strengthening migration governance while contributing to a more productive and resilient agricultural sector in Dominica.