Article - 15 November 2024

Article | November 15, 2024

On 6th November 2024, ten major Mauritian garment manufacturers came together for a strategic meeting organized by MEXA to focus on strengthening protections and improving conditions of migrant workers within the export sector. This critical meeting emphasized the sector’s commitment to enhancing ethical employment practices for migrant workers, ensuring Mauritius meets the highest international labour standards.

The journey towards ethical recruitment started in 2019 when MEXA initiated the idea of developing a Code of Conduct with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The Code of Conduct was published in August 2023 and was widely welcomed by the industry’s stakeholders. MEXA is actively working on the development of standards and a certification process, which is expected to be implemented by March 2025. Some MEXA Members have already committed to undergo the certification process.

At the meeting, industry leaders brainstormed on further key actions to be implemented to improve recruitment, living, and working conditions for migrant workers across the sector. These actions will constitute the Mauritius’ Garment Industry Roadmap on Ethical Recruitment and Employment of Migrant Workers. 

It is expected that the Roadmap will be finalized by mid-December 2024.

MEXA, on behalf of its members in the export sector in Mauritius, is absolutely committed to safeguarding the rights of all workers, irrespective of their nationality, and we re-affirm our strong commitment to ensuring the utmost well-being of both Mauritian and Migrant workers