The head of the International Labour Organization (ILO) office in Cairo called for stronger efforts to prevent irregular migration by expanding decent job opportunities, skills development and support for entrepreneurship, saying such measures would help protect lives and enable young people to build their futures in their home countries.
Eric Oechslan, Director of the ILO Office in Cairo, said legal migration should take place through official channels and in line with bilateral agreements that match workers' skills with labor market needs in destination countries.
Speaking to Al Qahera News, Oechslan stressed the need to stop irregular migration, warning that many people lose their lives while attempting dangerous sea crossings.
"We must prevent irregular migration so people do not die in boats at sea while trying to travel," he said.
Oechslan said governments and development partners should adopt strategies that create sustainable employment opportunities to encourage potential migrants to remain in their countries.
He emphasized that investing in skills development and capacity building is essential to helping young people secure decent work. This includes training on job interviews, CV writing, networking with employers and equipping individuals with the skills needed to enter the labor market.
The ILO official also highlighted the importance of supporting entrepreneurship and startups, saying many young people have the potential to create their own businesses if given the necessary resources and opportunities.
"We need to give them the means to generate an income in their own countries and avoid the consequences of irregular migration," he said.
Oechslan added that the ILO is working with Egyptian authorities, including the ministries of foreign affairs and labor, along with other partners, to advance initiatives aimed at improving employment prospects, noting that addressing irregular migration requires coordinated and sustained efforts across institutions.
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