By: Binta Jaiteh
Despite the overwhelming interest from youth eager to benefit from the Gambia-Spain bilateral labour agreement, the Gambian government has decisively stated that only fifty (50) workers will be selected to travel to Spain.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, Mod Secka, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented updates to the National Assembly’s joint committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding the implementation of circular migration agreements.
During this crucial presentation, PS Secka clarified to the committee that the initial phase is limited to fifty individuals, but should the pilot prove successful, there is potential for expansion based on that trial.
“The agreement between Spain and Gambia operates on a government-to-government basis, meaning that the selected farmers will be working through their government,” he stated confidently.
The pilot program is focused on the agricultural sector, specifically for workers who will be picking fruits on farms in Spain.
Secka acknowledged the significant interest from the public and emphasized the need for clear communication regarding this pilot phase. When questioned by NAM Modou Laimin B. Bah about public awareness, Secka assured that discussions were held internally on this matter. “We intend to open the application process to everyone. Building a database now means that future opportunities can be leveraged without starting from scratch,” he explained.
Furthermore, Secka highlighted that the Ministry has two active bilateral labor agreements, one with Saudi Arabia and the other with Spain. He shed light on the ongoing implementation of the Saudi Arabia agreement, which involves private recruitment agencies in collaboration with Gambian partners. “To date, we have recruited 16 private agencies, but only three are actively recruiting due to technical hurdles,” he stated.
He elaborated on the challenges faced, noting that the Saudi system, referred to as Mosanet, requires local recruiting agencies to undergo training and gain access to effectively participate in the process. Two agencies have already made progress, with GAM Jobs enlisting over ten thousand potential participants, although only twelve have received visas so far, while forty are currently under the “Mosanet” process.
The other agency, named Outsource, has registered over one thousand three hundred and thirty-five individuals, with ten visas issued and fifty-five under processing. Secka confirmed that the Minister of Trade has proactively engaged with Saudi counterparts to discuss the implementation of these agreements and explore access to the Mosanet system for capacity building.
In an important development, each Gambian agency was previously limited to four sub-agents, but this has now been increased to seven, enhancing opportunities for collaboration. NAATIP, NAQAA, and the Department of Labor will provide training for qualified individuals, ensuring they are prepared for departure. The Ministry has signed a framework agreement with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Human Resources aimed at building operational capacity for efficient implementation.
Addressing the inquiries of Chairperson Kebba Jallow, Secka stated that while not much progress has been made regarding Dubai, there is currently no fixed number of prospective migrants to Saudi Arabia, as this relies on the capabilities of recruitment agents and the acceptance of such candidates by respective agencies.
“Regarding payment for migrants in Saudi Arabia, we are currently negotiating for a compensation package of $200 per month, excluding food and medical expenses,” he concluded with determined clarity.
