He confirmed that the recruitment of employees bound for both Saudi and Spain had been completed, and that the workers have now started their new jobs.
“Salaries for those in Saudi Arabia are paid through their recruitment agencies.
The Trade Minister explained to lawmakers that the entire trip to Spain comes at no cost to the workers, after a concern was raised by Hon Fatou Cham, member for Sanimentereng regarding their living expenses. “Visas are free, air tickets are free, accommodation is free, feeding is free. The €1,000 is their pocket money,” he said.
The Minister also clarified that while bilateral agreements were shared with the National Assembly, the individual contracts between workers and employers were not.
Honourable Fatoumatta Touma Njai, Member for Banjul South, pointed out that the Spanish minimum wage for 2025 is €8.87 per hour, meaning a full-time worker should earn more than €1,000 monthly. “How is the Ministry ensuring that these Gambians are paid at least the legal minimum wage?” the MP asked.
In response, the Minister maintained that pay is calculated hourly in Europe and assured the Assembly that monitoring will be done to ensure fairness. “If the Spanish authorities find that workers are underpaid, we will be informed and come back to the Assembly,” he said.
She further demanded clarity on whether these workers would be earning Spain’s full-time minimum wage, which is over €15,000 annually more than €1,000 per month.
The Minister said: “Payment depends on the number of hours worked. If you work more, you get more. If it is found they’re underpaid, we will address it.”
