Kebba Ansu
The International Organisation of Migration (IOM) has revealed that more than thirty nine thousand (39,000) Gambians entered European Union countries through the irregular migration called ‘Back-Way’, revealing that the staggering figure comprises of Gambians residing in Spain, U.K, Germany, Italy among other EU countries from 2014 to 2020.
The Organisation also disclosed that the biggest exodus of Gambians took place in 2016, at a time when Libya, a transit country where most of these migrants passed through was embroiled in civil war.
These revelations were revealed at a convergence where thirty (30) journalists are currently undergoing advance training on Migration Reporting courtesy of the International Organisation of Migration (IOM).
Key among the mandates of the UN migration agency is to uphold human dignity and well-being of migrants, advocate for understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration among others.
The organisation also offers direct support to vulnerable people, capacity building, awareness raising, counter trafficking of migrants, child protection and provision of protection centers. The International Organisation of Migration (IOM) hinted that a whooping thirty-nine thousand plus Gambian migrants have made it through the ‘Back-way’ to Europe from 2014 to 2020, disclosing that 8, 725 (eight thousand seven hundred and twenty-five ) Gambians left through irregular migration in 2014, 8, 874 (eight thousand eight hundred and seventy-four ) in 2015, 12, 927 (twelve thousand nine hundred and twenty-seven) in 2016, 8, 522(eight thousand five hundred and twenty-two ) in 2017, 2, 870 (two thousand seven hundred and eighty) in 2018, 394 (three hundred and ninety-four) in 2019 and 225 (two hundred and twenty-five) in 2020.
The Organisation further disclosed that more than 6,700 (six thousand seven hundred) returnees have so far benefited from reintegration assistance package, stating that 3338 (three thousand, three hundred and thirty-eight) males and 3447 (three thousand four hundred and forty seven) females benefited from the reintegration package.
Official of IOM present at the convergence emphasized that it is not the mandate of the agency to involve in the deportations of irregular Gambians, adding that the organisation only get involved in such issues when invited by the government for possible redress.
Scores of Gambian journalists present at the confab also expressed their concerns, views and opinions on the fate of the 39, 000 irregular Gambian migrants living in EU soils, observing that Gambian government must be proactive to address the issues of irregular migration and returnees coming into the country.
“The fate of the irregular migrants is a great concern to me because most of them are undocumented in the countries they are residing meaning some of their rights will not be guaranteed. Irregular migrants are poised with lots of challenges that include lack of decent employments, lack of medical opportunities as well as crimes,” said Muhammed MS Bah, Vice President of Gambia Press Union (GPU).
He added: “This is a cause for concern and The Gambia government must look into ways and means of engaging the European Nations on how best those undocumented migrants can be integrated within the host countries.
I think the government should always endeavor to play its rightful role in the resettlement and reintegration of migrants into The Gambian society.”
Modou Touray, Administration Manager, Brikama Community Radio and Mustapha Jallow of Foroyaa Newspaper shared similar sentiments on the fate of the 39, 000 irregular Gambian migrants currently in Europe, arguing that most of the irregular migrants were in one way or another forced by circumstances ranging from education, social and political matters.
They observed that these irregular migrants sends in lots of money into the country which once stop will cause damages to lot of families whose survival depends on remittances, adding that Gambian government must take proactive position in ensuring that the undocumented migrants are documented as well as give supports the returnees to engage in meaningful economic activities.