Lesotho Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane Encourages Basotho Workers in Qatar to Invest in Their Homeland

His Excellency Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has met with Basotho nationals working in Qatar, encouraging them to work hard, represent Lesotho responsibly and use the opportunities available to them to contribute to their country’s development. The meeting highlighted the importance of overseas employment in improving the livelihoods of Basotho families and supporting economic growth in Lesotho. The Prime Minister emphasised that Basotho working abroad have an important role to play in strengthening relations between Lesotho and their host country. He also urged them to save their earnings and invest in Lesotho so that they can build a secure future for themselves and their families when they return home. His message reflected the Government’s commitment to expanding employment opportunities abroad while encouraging citizens to use their experience and resources to support national development.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Matekane reaffirmed that the Government of Lesotho is committed to working hard to create more employment opportunities for Basotho in Qatar. Access to jobs abroad can provide workers with income, professional experience and opportunities to develop new skills. These benefits can also support families in Lesotho through financial assistance and investments in education, housing and small businesses. However, the Prime Minister stressed that securing employment is only one part of making the most of working abroad. Basotho workers must also approach their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism and respect for the laws, customs and people of Qatar.

The Prime Minister reminded Basotho nationals that their conduct abroad reflects on Lesotho as a nation. He encouraged them to maintain good relationships with their employers, colleagues and members of the communities in which they live. Responsible behaviour can help strengthen the reputation of Basotho workers and support positive relations between Lesotho and other countries. Respect for local laws, workplace rules and cultural practices is particularly important for people working in a foreign country. By demonstrating commitment, honesty and professionalism, Basotho workers can help create a positive impression of their homeland while improving their own employment prospects.

Another key message from the Prime Minister focused on the importance of saving money and investing in Lesotho. He encouraged workers to plan carefully for their financial future rather than spending all their earnings while living abroad. Regular savings can help workers prepare for unexpected expenses, support their families and build the capital needed to establish businesses or purchase property when they return home. Investments made in Lesotho can also provide opportunities for long-term income and financial stability. The Prime Minister’s message highlighted the potential for overseas employment to benefit not only individual workers but also the wider national economy when earnings are managed carefully and invested productively.

The meeting also addressed the role of the Ministry of International Affairs in protecting and supporting Basotho citizens working outside the country. His Excellency Limpho Tau, Minister of International Affairs, explained that the Ministry is working to ensure that Basotho nationals abroad live and work under good conditions. This includes recognising the importance of workers’ welfare and the need for appropriate support when challenges arise during overseas employment. For citizens working far from home, access to information and effective communication with relevant authorities can be important when dealing with workplace concerns or other difficulties. The Ministry’s stated commitment reflects the importance of maintaining links with Basotho communities abroad and ensuring that their experiences contribute positively to Lesotho’s development.

Minister Tau also highlighted efforts to explore ways of helping Basotho workers save and invest their earnings in their home country. He explained that the Ministry is considering how returning workers can find investment opportunities that support their livelihoods and improve their quality of life. Such efforts could help workers make better use of the money they earn abroad and prepare for a smoother transition when they return to Lesotho. Financial planning and access to reliable investment information can help individuals make informed decisions about business opportunities and other long-term goals. By connecting overseas employment with domestic investment, Lesotho can work towards ensuring that the benefits of migration extend beyond the period workers spend abroad.

Mr. Thabo Khasipe also encouraged Basotho nationals in Qatar to remember their homeland and use the opportunities available to them to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. He stressed that working abroad should not mean losing touch with the social and economic development needs of Lesotho. Instead, workers can use their experiences, professional knowledge and financial resources to contribute to progress at home. Stronger links between Basotho citizens abroad and their communities in Lesotho can help create opportunities for business partnerships, skills development and economic cooperation. His remarks reinforced the idea that citizens living and working overseas can remain important contributors to their country’s future.

Khasipe further emphasised the importance of hard work, saving money and using personal earnings to create development opportunities in Lesotho. For many workers, this requires setting clear financial goals, managing expenses and identifying realistic investment options before committing their savings. Business activities, property investments and other productive uses of capital may provide opportunities for returning workers, depending on their circumstances and the resources available to them. Careful planning is important because investments carry risks and not every opportunity will deliver the expected returns. Workers who seek reliable information and assess their options carefully can make more informed decisions about how to use their earnings to support themselves and their families.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Mr. Tsiu described Qatar as a developed country in terms of security, economic activity and technology. His observations highlighted the environment in which Basotho workers are pursuing employment and gaining experience outside their home country. Exposure to a different economy and technological systems can help workers develop new skills and broaden their understanding of professional practices. Such experience may become valuable when they return to Lesotho or seek further career opportunities. However, working in another country can also involve challenges, making communication, preparation and access to appropriate support important for workers adjusting to life abroad.

Mr. Tsiu also explained that the problems Basotho workers encounter are not uncommon. His comments acknowledged that overseas employment can involve difficulties even when workers are based in a country with developed infrastructure and economic opportunities. The specific nature of these challenges was not detailed in the account of the meeting, but the discussion underlined the importance of recognising workers’ experiences and addressing their concerns appropriately. Government engagement with citizens abroad can help strengthen communication and provide an opportunity to understand the issues affecting their working and living conditions. Continued dialogue between workers and relevant authorities can also help identify areas where additional information, guidance or support may be needed.

The meeting between Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane and Basotho workers in Qatar underscored the relationship between overseas employment, responsible citizenship and economic development in Lesotho. The Prime Minister’s call for hard work, good conduct and stronger financial planning highlighted the importance of making employment opportunities count beyond the immediate benefits of earning a salary. The Ministry of International Affairs also emphasised its commitment to the welfare of Basotho abroad and the need to explore ways to support investment at home. Meanwhile, the contributions from Mr. Thabo Khasipe and Mr. Tsiu highlighted the value of maintaining strong connections with Lesotho while recognising the experiences and challenges of working in Qatar. Ultimately, the meeting reinforced a clear message: Basotho working abroad can help build a better future for themselves and their families while contributing to Lesotho’s economic progress through responsible conduct, careful savings and productive investment in their homeland.