By: Alieu Jallow
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Lamin Dampha, has formally debunked claims circulating in society and on various social media platforms regarding the licensing of any agency for worker recruitment under the much-anticipated Gambia-Spanish Circular Migration program.
The Gambia-Spanish Circular Migration initiative aims to facilitate a structured migration route for Gambian workers, specifically targeting employment opportunities in Spain. However, as excitement for the program grows, so do misunderstandings and misinformation surrounding the initiative.
In a special episode of Coffee Time on West Coast Radio, PS Dampha emphasized that the ministry has not authorized any agency to recruit workers for this migration program.
“We have seen an upsurge in interest in the Spanish circular migration program, and we have seen certain things happening—certain information circulating. Every day we receive messages from different people: people claiming to recruit, others saying people are paying, and even rumors that the first group has left. All these things are not true. We have not licensed a single recruitment agency to recruit workers for Spain. We have not licensed anyone,” he stated emphatically.
PS Dampha clarified that the ministry is currently in the process of finalizing the legal frameworks necessary for the program’s implementation, including Cabinet approval and parliamentary ratification. He explained that they are waiting to share the legal instrument with the Spanish authorities and finalize procedural agreements. He noted that this agreement differs from those with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as it will be implemented solely by the government without involving any private individuals. He also urged the public to remain vigilant against scammers attempting to collect money under false pretenses in the name of recruitment.
“This is not true. We have not registered any agency to recruit for Spain. We have also heard these allegations and are inviting the public to share any evidence with us. We have already written to the Inspector General of Police to investigate, and the police are already investigating. If anyone has evidence, let them share it with the ministry or the police so that those responsible can be brought to justice.”
The premature claims of recruitment licenses have raised concerns among potential migrant workers, some of whom allege paying over 50,000 to 60,000 dalasis to unscrupulous agents. In a country grappling with unemployment, the prospect of legitimate employment abroad has encouraged hope. However, the ministry is working with law enforcement to restore public confidence by investigating and prosecuting those exploiting desperate Gambians.
“Send us the evidence, and we will share it with the police because they are already carrying out investigations. We are not the police, but we are collaborating closely with them to speed up the process. This is crucial for us to regain public trust.”
Mr. Dampha further revealed that the Spanish government is expected to share conditions and criteria based on their demand for labor, particularly from their farming community.
