Sierra Leone News: Migration policy for Salone economic development

New Head of Delegation (HOD) to Sierra Leone from the European Union Tom Vens has told officials from Sierra Leone and ECOWAS that the benefits of a well-managed migration and mobility within and between countries and continents can contribute positively to economic development if well managed.
He said sending and receiving countries and regions within countries can be organised to help in the development process – this very idea is one of the building blocks of the European Union’s own internal market.
Ambassador Vens said can transfer skills and remittances to their home boost local labour supply and fill skill gaps where they are employed.
“All this requires sound legal frameworks and policies: for the protection and empowerment of migrants and their families, and for enhancing the developmental impacts of migration.”
The HOD averred that the EU has co-funded the preparations of the Sierra Leonean Labour Migration Policy through the project “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa (FMM West Africa).”This support is testimony to the priority that we give to strengthening regular migration.
He congratulated the Ministry for reaching this crucial stage and thank the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, the International Organisation for Migration and the International Labour Organisation for their collaboration in delivering this project.
“As you all know, migration is a complex topic with many facets. Europe has been faced with a large-scale crisis of irregular migration in recent years, leading to the tragic deaths of thousands who tried to cross the Mediterranean Sea and were stranded in often inhuman conditions.”
Ambassador Tom Vens said in November 2015 the Valetta Summit brought together European and African States in an effort to strengthened cooperation in the area of migration and address the current challenges and opportunities. A lot of progress has been made since then.
He said they have significantly reduced irregular arrivals in the Eastern and Central Mediterranean since 2016. The EU has also drastically reduced the loss of life in the Mediterranean. But tragically, he said nearly 2,500 persons have still died this year, which he said they must continue their effort.
“It is important to note that Europe continues to show solidarity. Last year alone, our Member States resettled or granted asylum to over 720,000 refugees – three times as much as the United States, Canada and Australia combined. Europe, contrary to what some say, is not a fortress. Europe is and intends to remain the continent of solidarity where those fleeing persecution can find refuge.”
Ambassador Tom Vens said the European Commission will present a new set of proposals very soon with an emphasis on returns, solidarity with Africa and opening pathways for legal migration.
Wednesday September 20, 2017.