Announcement of Domestic Workers’ Probation Period Conclusion
Baboucarr Osmaila O. Joof, the Minister for Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE), made a significant announcement to Members of the National Assembly on Wednesday, July 3, 2025. He revealed that the probation period for the first group of domestic workers sent to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has come to an end. According to the minister, these workers are now in the process of signing their permanent contracts with Saudi authorities this month.
During the session, a member from the Sani Mentereng constituency raised a question regarding whether the domestic workers would be responsible for their bills from their monthly wages of $200. In response, Minister Joof clarified that these workers have already been in Saudi Arabia for three months and have just completed their probation period. He emphasized that their salaries are directly paid to them, with the amount deposited into their bank accounts for personal use. The minister also mentioned that the workers receive accommodation, food, and medical support as per their agreements with employers, meaning none of them is required to pay for rent, food, or medical expenses.
Another inquiry came from the Member for Banjul South, who asked about the payment of salaries. Mr. Joof explained that the salaries for Gambian domestic workers are processed through their respective recruitment agencies. This ensures that the payments are handled efficiently and transparently.
Despite the positive developments, reports from Foroyaa indicate that at least six Gambian women have returned home after being sent to Saudi Arabia in February 2025. These women shared distressing accounts of abuse and inadequate treatment, with some mentioning they were denied medical attention or forced to cover their medical expenses while under the labor agreement. This highlights the need for continued monitoring and support for Gambian workers abroad.
Bilateral Agreements and Ongoing Discussions
Minister Joof also addressed ongoing bilateral agreements between The Gambia and several countries. He stated that while the agreements with Saudi Arabia and Spain are still in progress, a labor agreement with the United Arab Emirates has already been signed and ratified by the government. This marks a significant step forward in strengthening labor relations between The Gambia and the UAE.
The NAM for Sabach Sanjal requested details on the implementation status of the UAE and Spain agreements. Mr. Joof confirmed that the implementation had not yet started and mentioned that his ministry is in discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite talks with the UAE government for initiating the agreements.
When questioned about the lack of engagement with the UAE, Mr. Joof noted that he was involved in the signing process and has communicated twice with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the delay in moving forward. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between ministries to ensure timely implementation.
Timeline and Labor Market Dynamics
Regarding the timeline for the commencement of the agreements, Mr. Joof remarked that there is no specified timeline. He explained that the initiation of the agreements depends on the labor market dynamics within the UAE. “If they find a need for skilled or unskilled workers, that will trigger the process,” he said. “We are prepared to supply the labor force, but a pull factor is required from the other side.”
This statement underscores the delicate balance between offering labor opportunities and ensuring that there is a genuine demand from the host country. It also highlights the need for continuous dialogue and coordination between The Gambia and its international partners to create sustainable employment opportunities for its citizens.
