Access to Welfare Benefits among Migrant Workers in Eastern DR Congo's Mining Regions: Compliance and Outcomes

Eastern DR Congo's mining regions host a significant number of migrant workers from Kenya who are employed in various sectors including mining, agriculture, and construction. These workers often face challenges accessing welfare benefits due to complex bureaucratic processes and language barriers. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving interviews, focus groups, and secondary data analysis of government records related to welfare benefit distribution systems. The sample included both employers and workers from the mining sector. The findings indicate that approximately 45% of migrant workers reported difficulties in accessing welfare benefits due to administrative hurdles such as incomplete documentation and language barriers. Compliance with social protection policies was notably lower among female workers compared to male workers. While some migrant workers successfully accessed welfare benefits, the lack of comprehensive support systems and cultural insensitivity contributed to significant disparities in access. Implementing culturally sensitive communication strategies and simplifying bureaucratic processes are recommended to improve compliance with social protection policies among migrant workers. Additionally, training for employers on legal obligations is suggested to ensure fair treatment of all workers.