by Mariatou Ngum
The Gambian lawmakers have recently approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Circular Migration between the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of The Gambia. The motion was moved by the Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Hon. Baboucarr O. Joof, who informed the lawmakers that the MoU seeks to provide a legal pathway for Gambians wishing to seek seasonal employment in the Kingdom of Spain, which is in line with the Government’s objective of creating employment opportunities for Gambians within and outside the country to reduce unemployment and underemployment.
“In the spirit of strengthening the friendly relations between the two nations and the need to address migration issues of common interest and concern, it was proposed that we sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on circular migration starting with a pilot project to recruit workers from The Gambia to work in Spain for a period of one year,” he revealed. Minister Joof explained that the MoU aims to promote recruitment of manpower in a manner that realises the interest of both countries. He added that the framework agreement is for an initial period of one (1) year, but it may be extended for a period considered appropriate by the signatories, if an appraisal after the first year shows that both sides are willing to have an extension.
According to him, workers recruited under this MoU will be issued employment contracts with clearly specified contract durations, which compels them to sign-up before departing. He revealed that a four-year temporary permit shall be issued to successful candidates for this purpose, and will be tied to the employment contract and workers recruited will be required to make formal undertakings to return to their country of origin upon termination or expiry of employment contract.
Justification of the MoU The Trade minister underscored that the MoU will pave a legal pathway for Gambians to work in the Kingdom of Spain as one of the favorite destinations for many of the young people seeking employment abroad. He went on to add that the Framework will provide opportunities for these young Gambians to legally travel and work in the Kingdom in a manner that addresses the pervasive phenomenon of illegal migration which is of interest to both countries. He said this will further help in their collective efforts to combat this menace of irregular migration and mitigate its negative impacts. He further highlighted that the MoU will also complement Government’s efforts in creating more employment opportunities for the people particularly the youth who are the future of this country. Therefore, he noted that the successful implementation of this MoU will contribute to the attainment of the 150,000 jobs target of the National Employment Policy and Action Plan (NEAP 2022-2026), among other strategies the ministry has developed. “In addition, there is no financial obligation and/or implication on the part of the Government of The Gambia in the implementation of this MoU as the kingdom ‘s authorities have expressed their desire to fully fund all the activities involved in the process,” he stated.
