By Nasratu Kargbo
Sierra Leones Parliament has approved a bilateral agreement that seeks to improve the welfare of migrant workers in Qatar. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Professor David Francis said the agreement seeks to protect the rights of Sierra Leoneans in Qatar.
Whilst presenting the benefits of the agreement between the government of Sierra Leone and the State of Qatar to Members of Parliament, 21 March 2023, Francis said the government considers the agreement as a national response to addressing the challenges that Sierra Leonean migrant workers face in Qatar, emphasizing that the agreement stresses on the protection and promotion of their rights and obligations in Qatar.
Highlighting some of the features of the agreement, the minister stated that there will be an establishment of a contract between the employer and the employee to safeguard rights and duties that are consistent with labour laws, recognizing and centralizing the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in the recruitment process of Sierra Leone migrant workers who would reach the employment requirement.
Speaking on the other agreements between Sierra Leone and the State of Qatar, the Minister explained that the agreement intends to combat customs violation and offences through close cooperation between both authorities by providing administrative assistance to ensure the correct assessment of customs duties and other taxes, cost on import and export, proper application of procedures based on respecting national customs and rules applicable in their respective countries.
He added that each government has the right to make enquiries regarding customs violations and the discretion in certain circumstances, refuse and postpone the execution of requests from the other party.
Francis explained that he had visited the country together with President Julius Maada Bio to discuss areas to explore in Sierra Leone in sectors like agriculture, mining, manufacturing and marine resources.
The Chief Whip of the Opposition in Parliament Hassan Sesay said that the agreement came at a better time, stating that the Minister of Labour and Social Security has introduced a bill entitled Overseas Employment and Migrant Workers Act 2022, noting that Section 27 (f) speaks on ensuring the protection of the right of migrant workers to information and the right to redress if their rights are violated.
Sesay stated that on several occasion their attention has been called by Sierra Leoneans in the Middle East complaining about how they have been maltreated. The MP said that he expects to see a synergy between the ministers of foreign affairs and labour to collaborate and ensure that Sierra Leoneans, who travel to seek greener pastures, get what they seek.
He supported the agreement, emphasizing that agencies should be closely monitored, noting that let what is on paper be actualized to the people.
From Constituency 080 Ishmail Sama Sandy commended the minister for the agreement, stating that a nation that seeks to develop its human capacity is expected to introduce such an initiative.
Representing Constituency 048 Aaron Aruna Koroma stated that he expected a focus also on other countries where Sierra Leoneans are, highlighting Lebanon and United Arab Enirates amongst others, stressing that most have been subjected to horrible conditions. He stated that it has gone to the extent that government has to incur costs to bring back its citizens.
He therefore called on the minister to also have an agreement with those other countries to make life simple for Sierra Leoneans.
He applauded the agreement considering the challenges Sierra Leoneans face in the Middle East.
Parliament approved three agreements with between Sierra Leone and the State of Qatar, and also approved an agreement with Hungary.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (22/03/23)
