Enhancing Coordination and Strengthening Institutional Capacity to Effectively Engage with Basotho Diaspora

It is a timely opportunity for the Government of Lesotho (GoL) to engage Basotho diaspora abroad. The eighth (8th) Constitutional amendment to allow dual citizenship for Basotho approved by Parliament in 2018 is a significant step towards better engagement with Basotho diaspora abroad. The Citizenship and Immigration Bill, 2018, which was drawn from on the draft migration and development policy (2013) indicates a dynamic policy change in Lesotho’s migration management towards forward-looking and development-oriented migration management.

Despite the above, there has been limited or fragmented coordination among various stakeholders in Lesotho and until now, there is no single Ministry, sub-Ministry or independent institute with a mandate of coordination and harmonization of dealing with Basotho diaspora abroad. The diaspora outreach should be conducted in a harmonized manner, and should have a clear message or relevant information to the targeted diaspora members. Lastly, Lesotho does not have a diaspora policy. Development of a Lesotho National Diaspora Policy with an inclusive and participatory manner, and fully considering the unique diaspora profile for Lesotho, using the gender mainstreaming approach is of critical importance.

The overall objective of the proposed project is to contribute towards an increased contribution of the Basotho diaspora in the socio-economic development of the Kingdom of Lesotho. In order to realize this objective, the project aims to strengthen the Government of Lesotho’s institutional capacity to fully coordinate diaspora affairs and mobilize the Basotho diaspora. The expected outcomes for the project are; Outcome 1: Newly established Diaspora Directorate is engaging effectively with diaspora members; and Outcome 2: Active presence and participation of government, diaspora representatives and key private sector actors during the diaspora outreach forum; and Outcome 3: Lesotho National Diaspora Policy is in place.