By Ramatoulie Jawo
The National Assembly has ratified the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on circular migration between the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of The Gambia, following its presentation on Saturday.
The motion was brought forward by Hon. Baboucarr O. Joof, the Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, who highlighted its significance in providing a legal pathway for Gambians seeking seasonal employment in Spain. This initiative aligns with the government’s aim to reduce unemployment by empowering Gambians both locally and abroad.
Minister Joof noted that Spain is a preferred destination for many Gambians in search of better opportunities, though many have embarked on dangerous journeys to get there. He stressed the importance of this MOU as a safer, structured alternative to irregular migration, leveraging the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
“During the recent past, many Gambians have embarked on the risky Journey to get to Europe, and many more remain willing and ready to go despite the existing dangers associated with such journeys. In view of the reality, in addition to the longstanding cordial relations between the Kingdom of Spain and the Gambia, the two states recognize the need for closer collaboration in the field of manpower management to promote mutual interest and benefits,” he said.
He mentioned that, in the interest of enhancing the friendly relations between the two nations and addressing shared migration concerns, a proposal was made to sign an MOU on circular migration. This agreement would begin with a pilot project aimed at recruiting workers from The Gambia to work in Spain for a year.
He added that the MOU seeks to facilitate manpower recruitment in a way that benefits both countries.
“The framework agreement is for the initial period of one year, but may be extended for a period as considered appropriate by the signatories if an appraisal of the first year shows that both sides are willing to have an extension. However, the MOU is not legally binding and therefore shall not give rights or obligations to either party under any international law. Workers recruited under this MOU will be issued an empowerment contract with a clearly specified contract duration, which will compel them to sign up before departure,” he said.
Minister Joof stated that successful candidates will be granted a four-year temporary permit, which will be linked to their employment contract. He added that workers recruited under this agreement must formally commit to returning to their home country upon the termination or expiration of their contract.
“This will help in our collective efforts to combat this menace of irregular migration and mitigate its negative impact. There is no financial implication or obligation on the part of Gambia government in the implementation of this MOU, as the kingdom of authority has expressed their desire to fully fund all activities involving in the recruitment process,” he told the Lawmakers.
He also informed Parliament that the recruitment of workers will be conducted through registered and licensed private recruitment agencies, under the supervision of the Department of Labor’s Empowerment Management Services Unit.
Hon. Belay G. Tunkara, the National Assembly Member for Kantora Constituency, who seconded the motion, highlighted the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and urged his fellow members to support the agreement.
“It is common knowledge that our youth are really dying every day on this irregular migration, so this is an opportunity for them to desist from such and being a pilot project, which has to put concerted efforts together to make sure that this level migration between the kingdom of Spain and the Gambia is materialized. And this will go a long way in teams of getting the requisite skills on the job training of our youth,” he highlighted.
Hon. Suwaibou Touray, the member for Wuli East, expressed his hope that migration could serve as a tool for national development through remittances..
“I am very concerned about the issue of remittances because many Gambians are outside and are sending millions or if not billions, to the Gambia. How are we managing those remittances? It is a concern that we need to look at because many countries are making very good use of remittances by helping the migrants themselves organize themselves better to invest the money so that even when they come back to settle, they will be able to settle nicely in their home without much struggle,” he said.
Other lawmakers raised concerns about the potential for some youth to abscond once in Spain. They called on the government to establish a robust policy to prevent this and urged those who participate in the program to return home, creating opportunities for others.
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