By: Nyima Sillah
Member of the National Assembly and Foreign Affairs Committee, Lamin Sanneh, has criticized Spain’s circular migration initiative, stating that it does not offer decent employment opportunities for Gambian youth and instead exposes them to labor exploitation.
In an interview with this medium, Hon. Sanneh expressed concern over the growing influence of far-right, anti-immigrant ideologies in Europe, which he believes poses a threat to African migrants. “One thing we’ve realized is that the far-right is gaining ground in Europe. They are now emboldened and largely anti-immigrant. That’s why it is important to support and retain our people so they can contribute to national socio-economic development,” he said.
According to Sanneh, most Gambian migrants under Spain’s circular migration program end up doing hard, low-paying work such as picking apples and Irish potatoes jobs that he described as “tedious and unworthy of their potential. If these countries need skilled labor, then we must invest in skill development at home and direct that talent into our productive sectors,” he emphasized.
The lawmaker further emphasized the importance of meaningful youth empowerment, citing that young people account for nearly 60 to 65% of The Gambia’s population.
“We have a National Development Plan that mentions youth empowerment, but its implementation has been slow. We must ask ourselves what we are doing to uplift our youth,” he stated.
NAM Sanneh stressed that agreements like the circular migration program should not be handled solely by the executive branch. “I think now, this agreement will not only have to do with the government, but even the parliament should be involved to ensure that we defend the interests of our people. We need to be sure they are not going to be turned into domestic slaves and that their rights are going to be protected,” he said.
He also pointed out the dangers associated with labor migration, noting that many African migrants have faced exploitation abroad, including being used as domestic workers under harsh conditions.
“This is why such programs are not encouraging. Even when it involves white-collar jobs, the terms and conditions should be carefully examined,” he said.
He further called for stronger political will to invest in The Gambia’s productive sectors, asserting that the country has enough potential to create wealth for its citizens. “If foreign investors can come here and make millions, why not our people? We need the political will to empower our youth. The migration pattern is changing, and now more young women are joining the journey, which is a growing concern,” Sanneh warned.
