Application Deadline: 25 November 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 ILO Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM)Programme Journalism and Storytelling Competition. The International Labour Organization (ILO), through the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), supports countries in the East and Horn of Africa region to strengthen labour migration governance and to promote safe, regular, orderly, and rightsbased labour mobility. As part of this work, BRMM supports universities as places where evidence is produced and where young people form their views on migration, engaging students, faculty and researchers across the region.
Purpose
To recognise quality media work that informs the public on safe and regular labour migration, to encourage responsible reporting on migrant workers, and to bring the media’s voice into the discussions at the Fifth LMAG.
Requirements
Journalists, photographers, filmmakers and content creators based in one of the East and Horn of Africa countries covered by BRMM (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda).
- Aged 18 or over on the closing date.
- Individual or team entries. For a team, name one lead contact. Only one team member can travel if the entry wins first place.
- A maximum of two entries per person or team.
- ILO staff, consultants and their immediate family, and members of the judging panel cannot enter.
Theme
“Safe and regular labour migration: the stories behind the journey.” The competition invites journalists and storytellers to explore the realities of labour migration through compelling, evidence-based stories that highlight the experiences, challenges and contributions of migrant workers.
Entries may explore, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- Pathways to overseas employment: How people access jobs abroad and what safe, regular and well-managed labour migration looks like in practice.
- Risks of irregular migration: The dangers of irregular migration, including exploitation, human trafficking and the practices of unlicensed or unscrupulous recruiters.
- Migrant workers’ experiences: The realities of working abroad and the challenges and opportunities people face upon returning home.
- Young people’s migration decisions: Why young people consider working abroad, how they make migration decisions, and the information and support they need to make informed choices.
- The contribution of migrant workers: How migrant workers contribute to their families, communities and national economies, including through skills, knowledge and financial resources.
Categories and requirements
All categories are judged against the same criteria, and one overall winner is selected.
- Story (print, online or audio): original article or feature of 800 to 1,500 words, or an audio piece of up to 8 minutes.
- Photography: a photo story of one to five images with captions of up to 50 words each, in high resolution.
- Video: up to 8 – 10 minutes, with subtitles in English if the language is not English.
- Animation: up to 3 – 5 minutes, with subtitles in English if the language is not English.
General requirements:
- Original work, produced or first published between 1 January 2026 and the closing date. Previously entered competition winners cannot be resubmitted.
- English language, or French with an English (if French) summary or subtitles.
- Work generated by AI tools will be disqualified. Basic editing tools are acceptable.
- Facts must be accurate and sourced. Do not identify trafficking survivors, children or people at risk without their written, informed consent.
- Show migrant workers with dignity and avoid sensationalism.
Prizes
- First place: an invitation to the Fifth LMAG in Zanzibar, 16 to 18 December 2026, with travel, accommodation, DSA, and visa costs covered by the ILO, and a place on the youth, media and research panel with a migrant worker.
- Second place: a plaque and publication of the work on ILO and regional channels.
- Third place: a certificate and publication of the work on ILO channels
How to enter
Send two attachments to [email protected] with the subject line “Media Award, Country”:
- The entry, or a link to it, with a short description of up to 150 words.
- An entry form with name, organisation if any, country, category, contact details, a copy of an identity document, and a signed statement that the work is original and that the consent of people shown has been obtained.
Submission Timeline
- Call opens: 3 November 2026
- Closing date: 25 November 2026, 23:59 East Africa Time
- Judging: 26 to 27 November 2026
- Winners notified: 30 November 2026
- Awards at the Fifth LMAG, Zanzibar: 18 December 2026
For More Information:
