The Gambia and Spain signed a memorandum of understanding on circular migration which was ratified by the National Assembly on 19th October, 2024 in an emergency session. The MoU is aimed at providing a legal path way for Gambians wishing to seek seasonal employment in Spain.
It will commence with a pilot project to recruit workers from The Gambia to work in Spain for one year. The date of commencement has not been indicated. No projection of the number of workers to be recruited for the pilot project and the substantive project has been given.
The minister told NAMs during the emergency session that there will be a mechanism for recruitment and evaluation of applicants. But the criteria of applicants especially as they relate to skills have not been stipulated. Are the jobs for skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled workers?
The minister also told NAMs that the successful implementation of the MOU will complement government’s efforts in attaining its one hundred and fifty thousand (150, 000) jobs. He did not give a projection of the number of jobs that will be on offer.
For the scheme to succeed there must be provision for the Gambians recruited to work in Spain to be gainfully employed upon their return to The Gambia. Otherwise they will simply join the unemployment band wagon.
Foroyaa will get in touch with the ministry to seek for answers to the questions listed above.
