By Politico staff writer
The prospect of ordinary Sierra Leoneans working in the Gulf Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has gained recognition at the highest level, following the signing of a labour agreement between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia.
The agreement was signed by the Labour and Social Security Minister of Sierra Leone, Alpha Timbo and the Saudi Vice Minister of Labour Affairs,Dr. Abdullah Nasser Abuthnain.
The accord would enable domestic and general workers from Sierra Leone to work for both the public and private sectors, according to a news release from the Information Attache at the Sierra Leone Embassy in the Kingdom, Abubakar Bah.
Minister Timbo reportedly told his Saudi counterpart that he was in the country to cement the recruitment agreement that the two countries have been working on for the last two years.
He said the President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio prioritises human capital development and that the country considers Saudi Arabia as one of the perfect countries identified for marketing the nation’s labour force.
He praised Ambassador Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh and the entire embassy staff for ‘facilitating the process on behalf of the government of Sierra Leone.
Minister Timbo said: "Your Excellency, we believe with the signing of these agreements and ensuring that we regulate the process itself to ensure a smooth and orderly migration, both countries would benefit from the relationship. As a government, we believe in our people. Our country is predominantly Muslim and most of the people aspiring to come and work in Saudi Arabia are also Muslims and we also share similar cultures and values".
Reacting, Dr. Abuthain said: "Saudi Arabia values its bilateral relations with the Republic of Sierra Leone and we are pleased to gather here with you today on this special occasion for the signing of the recruitment agreements between our two ministries. These agreements would pave the way for fruitful bilateral cooperation in the labour field for both countries”.
It would be recalled that the government of Sierra Leone contracted the services of a Ghanaian recruitment agency over a year ago to train young Sierra Leonean workers in readiness for job placements in Saudi Arabia.
But the seriousness of the COVID -19 pandemic forced the authorities to put a hold on the departure of some 200 trained workers that were already lodged in hotels in Makeni and Freetown awaiting departure.
This latest agreement could revive the process and see the first-ever batch of government-approved migrant workers leave for Saudi Arabia.
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