Though very exposed to migration flows, Mauritania has for a long time ignored its effects. Today, the nation’s trade unions are focusing on an approach based on migrant workers’ rights, designed around the fundamental right to choose freely where one wants to work and around decent work.

In recent years, there has been a large presence of migrants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, attracted by the country’s economic development. Also Chinese investment in various growht sectors, including construction, contributes to the presence of the 300,000 migrant workers. Nouakchott and Nouadhibou are major attraction centres.

The unions are demanding the establishment of a tripartite body for the management of migration in the form of a national observatory, and a trade union centre for migrant workers to inform them of their rights and working conditions and to raise their awareness, targeting sectors, like construction, where migrant workers make up around 45% of the workforce. The awareness campaign is also for women and young people.

Within the framework of defending migrant workers’ interests, there is a partnership project between the trade unions of Mali, Senegal and Mauritania.