The SARI/Equity supported Regional Action Forum (RAF) on Fostering Safe Migration developed elements of a Regional Safe Migration Policy taking into account the special vulnerabilities of women in the process and thus the need for a gender-sensitive approach that could usefully be included in national policy making on the subject. The National Consultation held in Colombo was the first in a series of consultations within South Asia followed by the one held in Dhaka - with the common objectives to:

	Share the “Policy for Ensuring Safe Labor Migration within and beyond South Asia” with a diverse group of national stakeholders; and
	Encourage implementation and application of the Policy at both national and regional level

The 35 representatives in the Colombo Consultation included Secretaries of the relevant Ministries (Foreign Employment and Promotions and Foreign Affairs), NGOs, INGOs, an IGO, and the Media. Some of their recommendations for action may be mentioned here briefly:

	All stakeholders have to address safe migration in a concerted manner. An inter-ministerial meeting – a round table with key ministers - was a step in the right direction.
	Changes to current models of employment contracts were indicated to include more stringent provisions ensuring safe migration and return in line with provisions in the Regional Safe Migration Policy,
	The Regional Policy and a NHRC report on the Rights of Migrant Workers with emphasis on women workers would be taken as points of departure in collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Labour and ILO towards the formulation of a national policy - in consultation with other key stakeholders

The Dhaka Consultation held on 7 May was attended by some 40 high Government-, NGO-, and other civil society representatives and focused on the importance of ensuring safe migration processes for the many Bangladeshis seeking employment abroad. The State Minister, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Acting Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Director General, Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training welcomed the SARI/Equity supported initiative of a Regional Framework for a Safe Labour Migration Policy and noted with interest the availability in the near future of a Mass Awareness Toolkit on Safe Migration – also a “product” of the Regional Action Forum on Safe Migration. Massive information and advocacy campaigns were needed. The Government had been engaged in the elaboration of a Foreign Employment Policy for the past two years and its signing off by the Prime Minister was expected shortly. The Media present at the Consultation showed keen interest in the issue.

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