By Kaddy Jawo
The Gambia and the United Arab Emirates on Monday, July 15th, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will provide a legal framework for the protection of potential Gambian workers in the United Arab Emirates. The information was disclosed to the public in a press release from the State House.
The Government claims that with the agreement coming into effect, it would ensure the “recruitment and preparation for deployment of workers to the UAE” are in line with Gambian laws, procedures, guidelines and regulations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Momodou Tangara, signed the MOU on behalf of The Gambia government, in Abu Dhabi, on the sidelines of the official visit of His Excellency President Adama Barrow. The Minister of Human Resources and Emiratization, His Excellency Nasser bin Thani Juma Al Hamli, signed on behalf of the Emirati government.
“The bilateral arrangement would provide legal protection for Gambian workers and effectively eliminate the risks of illegal recruitment and deployment of workers by shady recruitment agencies,” the press release from the State House stated.
Arab and Middle Eastern countries, including UAE, in recent years have gained notoriety for trafficking of Gambian women who are often exploited and enslaved in horrific conditions. The migrant workers most often find no help from law enforcement or the authorities in these countries. The MoU between the two countries is designed to alleviate the problems of exploitation, abuse and enslavement.
“The agreement establishes a dispute resolution mechanism and a joint committee of senior officials from both countries that would monitor and periodically assess the implementation of the agreement. Gambian workers would have to be in possession of an employment offer duly signed by both the worker and employer, verified and approved by The Gambia government before deployment – a solid mechanism that would make sure no one is tricked in accepting fake jobs proposals.”
According to the press release, the cooperation in the field of human resource would enhance the existing friendly relations between the two countries. Speaking about the importance of the event, Minister Tangara said it was the ‘‘the beginning of a very fruitful mutual relationship.” He extolled the high level of ‘‘tolerance, openness, and respect for the whole humanity’’ that exists in the UAE, while describing the hospitality accorded to the visiting Gambian delegation as legendary.
Part of the fundamental responsibilities of the UAE government set out in the agreement is to uphold the rights of Gambian workers pursuant to its laws. Al Hamli assured his counterpart that his country has “very strong laws in place that protect the right of workers,” leading to top global rankings in employment. He said the agreement is the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration in knowledge transfer and technology. The agreement includes strengthening the regulatory capacities of the respective countries to combat human trafficking as well as to facilitate technical and human resource development.