Zambia links with diaspora via online survey

5 Oct 2010

LUSAKA: An online survey developed by IOM and Zambia's Office of Diaspora Affairs (ODA) will be carried out to gather up-to-date information on the readiness of Zambians abroad to invest some of their savings, skills and resources in the development of their country.

The survey will also provide an updated demographic profile of Zambians abroad, as well as data on their skills, resources, interests and professional experiences abroad.

Opening communication channels

"Members of the diaspora often have questions about citizenship, employment prospects and rules and regulations regarding possible in-country investments," says IOM's chief of mission Andrew Choga. "The online survey opens new communications channels that will result in better partnerships for development."

The platform will allow Zambians abroad to access information on short-term skill transfers and to overcome administrative hurdles which might hamper their desire to invest at home.

Diaspora-friendly policies

It will also enable the government to provide information to Zambians abroad and develop diaspora-friendly policies and legislation that will allow the diaspora to play a greater role in national development processes.

"By taking time to complete a brief questionnaire, members of the Zambian diaspora can effectively help to maximise the impact of migration for national development," says Choga.

For more information, go to www.statehouse.gov.zm/index.php/zambia-diaspora-survey