By Ramatoulie Jawo
The National Assembly of The Gambia has ratified the motion on the Agreement for Worker Recruitment with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The decision was made during a session held on Tuesday.
Hon. Baboucarr Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, tabled the motion for parliamentary consideration and adoption.
In his presentation, Minister Joof explained that the agreement is designed to facilitate the recruitment of Gambian workers to legally work in Saudi Arabia, while ensuring the protection of both employers and workers. The agreement also aims to regulate contractual relations between the two parties.
“The Parties shall work towards a mutually acceptable recruitment, deployment, and repatriation system for Gambian workers for employment in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia pursuant to the applicable laws, rules, and regulations. To ensure the recruitment of workers through recruitment offices, companies or agencies that practice ethical recruitment and are licensed by their respective government. And also to ensure that recruitment offices, companies or agencies of both countries and the employer shall not charge or deduct from the salary of the workers any cost attendant to his or her recruitment and development or impose any kind of unauthorized salary deduction,” he highlighted.
He further emphasized that the recruitment, hiring, and placement of workers under this agreement must comply with the relevant laws, rules, and regulations, ensuring the protection of the welfare and rights of Gambian workers employed in Saudi Arabia.
Minister Joof also highlighted that Saudi Arabia would require recruited workers to meet specific health standards and undergo thorough medical examinations at reliable centres in The Gambia. Prospective workers are encouraged to complete their contractual terms.
“A joint technical committee shall be composed of representatives led by senior officials of both parties which shall periodically review, assess and monitor the implementation of the agreement, to conduct consultative meetings in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the republic of The Gambia alternating on the data and place mutually agreed by both parties. The joint technical Committee may set up a sub-committee as needed to meet regularly to discuss issues arising from this agreement,” he added.
He concluded by noting that any amendments to the agreement would require mutual written consent and must follow the legal procedures of both countries. Such changes would take effect on the agreed-upon date.
During the parliamentary debate, many members praised the initiative. However, some also urged the government to proceed cautiously, raising concerns about the challenges faced by Gambian youths working in certain foreign countries.