Government Pushes for Higher Wages Under Migration Agreement
Gambian migrant workers traveling to Saudi Arabia under the circular migration agreement are set to earn $200 per month, approximately D14,200. This was disclosed by Mod Secka, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration, and Employment, during a briefing to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Secka stated that while the government is negotiating for higher wages, the current salary package does not include costs for food, medication, and housing, as these are covered under the scheme.
He also highlighted challenges in the recruitment process, particularly with the Saudi Mosanet system, which local agencies must access. So far, only three agencies have successfully completed the required training.
Recruitment efforts are progressing, with one agency, Gamjobs, enlisting 8,139 candidates. However, only 12 have obtained visas, while 40 are undergoing processing. Another agency, Outsource, has registered 1,335 Gambians, with 10 visas issued and 55 applications being processed.
Secka further revealed that the Minister of Trade recently visited Saudi Arabia to strengthen collaboration and enhance opportunities for Gambian workers. As a result, the number of sub-agents each recruitment agency can work with has increased from four to seven. Additionally, Saudi officials will provide training to registered agencies to build their capacity.
Regarding migration to Spain, Secka noted that negotiations are still ongoing, and no agreement has been reached on wage structures for Gambian workers in that country.
