The Deputy Minister of Labor Affairs Participates at the High-Level Coordination Meeting

The Deputy Minister of Labor Affairs, Alhaj Mawlavi Muhammad Zahid Ahmadzai, participated and delivered a speech at the High-Level Coordination Meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At this high-level coordination meeting, officials from various government institutions of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as well as representatives of national and international organizations, were also present.

 Over the past several decades, Afghanistan has faced deep social and humanitarian challenges due to political crises, security instability, and economic difficulties. The return of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has restored security across the country and made it easier to provide humanitarian aid and support vulnerable populations; the long-lasting impacts of previous crises persist. High unemployment, internal displacement, negative consequences of climate change, and lack of basic services have increased the needs of vulnerable groups. In particular, high unemployment, support for returning and displaced families, shelter, access to clean water and hygiene services, humanitarian aid, and care for orphans and unaccompanied children are urgent needs that still require serious attention and well-organized programs. The Deputy Minister of Labor Affairs, Alhaj Mawlavi Mohammad Zahid Ahmadzai, made these remarks at the beginning of his speech to the meeting participants.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has designed essential long-term and sustainable employment programs and is fully prepared to implement them in cooperation with the United Nations. The implementation of these programs will play a significant role in reducing unemployment and poverty. In coordination with partner institutions, the MoLSA is striving to provide technical and vocational training for citizens, employment opportunities for migrants and returnees, and broad support for orphans, unaccompanied children, the poor, and vulnerable groups so that unemployment in the country can be reduced. Alhaj Mawlavi Mohammad Zahid Ahmadzai further added these remarks.

To reduce unemployment and poverty in the country, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs managed to hold the National Labor Conference last year and secure commitments from governmental and non-governmental institutions for the creation of 1.5 million job opportunities. Based on this, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has issued work permits to 36,000 domestic and foreign citizens across the country from the beginning of the current year until now. Additionally, the ministry has provided technical and vocational training to 9,000 individuals recovering from addiction and to 40,000 other young people nationwide. Alhaj Mawlavi Mohammad Zahid Ahmadzai, the Deputy Minister of Labor Affairs, further told the participants that such efforts will continue to expand nationwide.

In conclusion, the Deputy Minister called on international organizations, stating that the IEA has restored peace across the country, and they can reach each corner of the country to assist our countrymen and consider the needs of the Afghan people.