By Fatou Sillah
The government on Tuesday introduced the Labour (Amendment) Bill 2026 before the National Assembly, seeking to establish a regulatory framework for the recruitment and deployment of Gambian migrant workers to countries that do not have formal bilateral labor agreements with The Gambia.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda A. Jallow tabled the bill on behalf of the Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment.
According to the bill, the proposed legislation aims to amend the Labour Act, 2023, to address what the government describes as a critical regulatory gap affecting Gambians seeking employment opportunities abroad in countries where bilateral labor agreements have not yet been negotiated or concluded.
Presenting the rationale for the amendment, the government noted that while the Labour Act prioritizes safe migration through formal labor agreements with destination countries, the process of negotiating and finalizing such agreements is often lengthy and complex. Meanwhile, employment opportunities continue to emerge in countries that are not covered by existing bilateral arrangements.
The bill states that the absence of a licensing and oversight framework for private recruitment agencies operating in these labor corridors has exposed Gambian workers to a range of risks, including contract substitution, excessive recruitment fees, poor working conditions, and limited access to legal remedies.
“The absence of a licensing and monitoring framework for private recruitment agencies operating in these corridors has left Gambian workers vulnerable to unregulated practices, including contract substitution, excessive recruitment fees, poor working conditions, and lack of legal recourse.”
The government further argues that the current legal framework limits its ability to monitor recruitment activities, enforce standards, provide pre-departure orientation, and offer effective consular support to Gambian workers facing difficulties abroad.
To address these challenges, the amendment proposes the creation of a regulated pathway for labour migration to non-bilateral labour agreement countries through the establishment of a licensing, monitoring, and accountability system for Private Recruitment Agencies.
Under the proposed framework, recruitment agencies would be subject to government oversight and required to comply with standards designed to protect migrant workers.
The bill states that the reforms would help move migrant workers from informal and unregulated migration channels into the formal sector, enabling them to benefit from government protection, standardized employment contracts, and access to legal remedies when disputes arise.
The government also believes the amendment will strengthen safeguards against exploitation and ensure that recruitment practices are conducted in a responsible and ethical manner.
Among its key objectives, the bill seeks to facilitate safe labour migration, protect Gambian workers from abuse and exploitation, and strengthen remittance inflows and skills transfer to support national development and household resilience.
The proposed legislation is also intended to align The Gambia’s labour migration framework with the National Employment Policy and Action Plan (2022–2026) and the National Development Plan (2023–2027).
Additionally, the amendment aims to enhance accountability in the recruitment sector by licensing private recruitment agencies, enforcing compliance measures, and ensuring that recruitment practices meet international labour standards.
“The overarching objective of this bill is to secure a balanced and protective labor migration system that expands opportunities for Gambian workers abroad while safeguarding their rights, strengthening national oversight, and contributing to economic growth and social stability.”
If passed, the amendment would provide the government with broader oversight of labour migration and establish legal safeguards for Gambians seeking employment opportunities in countries that do not yet have formal labour agreements with The Gambia.
Comments are closed.