In Quito, Migration Summit Puts UAE’s Demand for Skills in the Spotlight

For policy makers focused on migration, the annual Global Forum on Migration and Development is the foremost annual inter-governmental gathering. For the UAE delegation attending this year’s GFMD Summit in Quito, it is a chance to underline the UAE’s role as a fast-growing economy offering employment opportunities to workers from around the world.

Leading the UAE’s delegation to Quito is H.E. Nasser bin Thani Juma Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Top of his agenda, says the Minister, is positioning the UAE as a global magnet for talent.

“As we make the transition to being a knowledge economy, the UAE’s economic prosperity will increasingly come from productivity gains, which requires a diverse and skilled workforce to deliver,” says Al Hamli. “We need to be looking to South America, Africa, and China for a fresh influx of talent, to complement the skills of Emiratis. Our participation in the GFMD is an opportunity to drive home the message that the UAE leads the world when it comes to openness to talent.”

Commenting on the latter, H.E. the Minister says, “As well as meeting the demand of our employers for people with the skills to compete in sectors like artificial intelligence, food security, and fintech, we also need to demonstrate our commitment to protecting the more vulnerable members of our society. Whether through strengthening oversight over overseas recruitment, providing workplace benefits insurance, or using technology to monitor compliance, the UAE will continue to reinforce our labour market protection systems.”

Outlining the UAE’s participation in the Quito Summit, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s Assistant Undersecretary for International Relations and Communications, Abdulla Al Nuaimi, comments, “The UAE has been one of the most active participants in the GFMD since its foundation in 2007. We are involved in a range of activities throughout the week, meeting with members of other governments to discuss key bilateral issues, chairing discussion forums, and engaging with business, civil society and youth organisations.”

Also participating in Quito is H.E. Afra Al Basti, Director General of Dubai’s Foundation for Women and Children, who is attending on behalf of UAE civil society.