by Mariatou Ngum
Lawmakers have 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.
