The first Rodrigues Migration Technical Sub-Committee (RTMS) convened in Port Mathurin, Rodrigues, marks a crucial step towards managing migration in a comprehensive manner. In partnership with the Government of Mauritius, and with the support of the IOM Development Fund, this committee serves as a platform for stakeholders to discuss and advance initiatives aimed at leveraging migration for the sustainable development of Rodrigues island.

The Chief of Mission for IOM Mauritius and Seychelles Ms. Alia Hirji extended her warm welcome to attendees, emphasising the significance of coordinated efforts in addressing migration dynamics between Rodrigues and Mauritius. In his keynote address, Mr. Johnson Roussety, the Chief Commissioner for Rodrigues, highlighted the island’s commitment to implementing the RMTSC to ensure effective migration governance and migration management.

“Migration represents both opportunities and challenges, which if not properly managed may affect the development of Rodrigues. IOM is proud to support the Rodrigues Regional Assembly in the setting up of the Rodrigues Migration Technical Sub-committee, a platform that will no doubt helps us to effectively monitor migration, better understand what is happening on the ground and formulate effective migration policies and plans, ” emphasised the Chief of Mission for IOM Mauritius and Seychelles, Alia Hirji.

For the Chief of Commissioner for Rodrigues, Mr. Johnson Roussety, “this platform and partnership with IOM is an opportunity to identify barriers to and challenges associated with mobility and thereafter to ensure coordination regarding the movement of people and workers from Rodrigues to Mauritius and vice versa.”

The draft Terms of Reference (ToR) of the Rodrigues Technical Sub-Committee which outlines its objectives, scope, roles and responsibilities, operations and membership were presented and discussed. Stakeholders engaged in constructive dialogue to refine the ToR, ensuring they align with the overarching goal of leveraging migration for sustainable development.

In addition, presentations were made on the two main activities implemented under the “Strengthening Migration Management for Sustainable Development” project, with specific focus on internal migration. This project is being implemented by IOM in close collaboration with Rodrigues Regional Assembly (RRA) and the Prime Minister’s Office. Highlighting the project’s workplan, IOM shed light on initiatives aimed at identifying and addressing challenges and opportunities associated with migration flows between Rodrigues and Mauritius.

Internal migration from Rodrigues to Mauritius and vice versa is a complex phenomenon with profound implications for both regions. By establishing the RMTS and advancing initiatives under the above-mentioned project, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to addressing migration challenges in a holistic and collaborative approach. Stakeholders agreed that it is only through dialogue, cooperation and evidence-based interventions that migration could be harnessed for the benefit of individuals, communities and societies at large.

The first meeting of the Rodrigues Migration Technical Sub-Committee represented a significant milestone in the journey towards fostering inclusive and sustainable development in Rodrigues and Mauritius. As stakeholders converge to exchange ideas, share experiences and chart a collective path forward, they demonstrated their unwavering dedication to building a future where migration serves as a catalyst for progress and prosperity.