By: Fatoumatta Krubally
The Gambia and Spain recently inked a memorandum of understanding on circular migration, which aims to allow young and physically-fit Gambians aged between 18 to 40 to legally migrate to Spain to address labour shortages in specific industries but this agreement has sparked a heated debate among Gambians, with opposing viewpoints from different sectors of society.
Alieu Njie, a long-time taxi driver in Banjul, expressed his discontentment with the circular migration agreement. He vehemently criticized the government for what he deemed as a failure on the part of the Gambia government to prioritize the well-being and interests of its citizens. Njie exclaimed, “Only a failed government who fails the citizens and the Gambia at large will be the one to send its abled youth population for domestic labour in other countries.”
Omar Touray, a vocal critic of the agreement, also shared his misgivings about the agreement. He attributed the current predicament to shortsightedness and rampant corruption, exclaiming, “short-term thinking and looking past full corruption have brought us here– that’s the fight and it isn’t in Spain or any other western country.”
Touray argues that instead of relying on foreign nations for jobs, the Gambian government should focus on addressing the “systemic corruption and failures” that have led to the current situation.
He asserts that if the government truly cares about its people, it should fight against the “terrible, criminal, thieving government” to fulfil the desires of the citizens rather than seeking assistance from foreign powers that exploit Gambian labour and resources. Touray’s statement underscores the frustration and disillusionment felt by many within Gambian society.
On the contrary, Saidou Ceesay, a young carpenter, offered a different perspective on the matter. Ceesay acknowledged the initiative as a potential opportunity for Gambian youth to earn an income and invest in their future. He stated, “I definitely appreciate the initiative. If this was free labour, one can complain. But work we pay you, that’s not bad.” Ceesay’s pragmatic view highlights the complexity of the situation and the varied opinions within the Gambian populace.
Fatou Njie also expresses concerns regarding the more troubling aspects of the program, especially the exploitation by recruiters.
“What I find unacceptable about this program is the way recruiters are taking advantage of people by charging them exorbitant fees. I strongly oppose that,” she asserted.
She calls for a system that enables young individuals to work abroad without facing financial exploitation, suggesting that it would be far more beneficial for them to earn a living and return home to support their families instead of risking dangerous journeys (Backway) in search of better opportunities.
The question arises: is the circular migration agreement a pathway to economic opportunity for Gambian youth, or does it represent a betrayal of their potential and a failure of the government to provide adequate opportunities domestically? The reality behind this contract raises ethical considerations and concerns about labour exploitation. As the debate rages on, it is essential for all stakeholders to consider the long-term implications of this agreement on the future of the country and its youth.
