The aim of this mentorship program is to promote skills and knowledge transfer to government institutions and make the best use of the know-how and enthusiasm of Gambian professionals from the diaspora as valued partners for national development.
“The Diaspora and Migration Directorate works closely with the Ministry of Interior and the Office of the Vice President to facilitate effective intergovernmental and inter-agency collaboration regarding the implementation of The Gambia’s Migration Policy.
Mr. Sulayman Omar Njie, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad stressed that the Diaspora and Migration Directorate was established under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Promote, Support and Facilitate consultative, Productive and purposeful engagement of the Gambian Diaspora in national development.
PS Njie also highlighted that the role of the Gambian Diaspora is crucial in promoting sustainable development in The Gambia reflecting on the amount of remittance the Gambia generates from its Diaspora community.
He expressed delight and appreciation to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM in not only supporting Government’s effort in creating the enabling environment for the Diaspora but providing supports in its crusades.
Njie expressed the Diaspora and Migration Directorate’s willingness to work closely with IOM to facilitate and implement priorities relative to diaspora engagement as stipulated in the National Development Plan 2018 - 2021.
Speaking on some of the mandates of the Directorate, Mr. Musa Camara, Director of the Diaspora and Migration Directorate, explained which includes to facilitate optimal interface, between government and the Diaspora and also taking the lead in developing and implementing a Diaspora Strategy that will facilitate Diaspora investment, create a Diaspora Development Fund, promote circular and labour migration and mainstream diaspora expertise for sustainable development.
The IOM Chief of Mission Ms. Fumiko Nagano expressed delight that the Government successfully partnered with IOM and reiterated her organisation’s readiness in continuing to strengthen the effective contribution of the diaspora region to Gambia’s development stride through creation initiatives of this nature.
It could be recalled that In September 2017, the President delivered a Diaspora Policy statement, which highlighted key commitments including the expansion, enhancement and optimisation of the role of the diaspora in national development as valued partners.
BY: Biram S Jobe