Circular migration.. How can Mauritania benefit from the new agreement with Spain?
It was not more than six months since the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, visited Mauritania, and he returned a few days ago, bringing a new proposal with him to Nouakchott in an attempt to reduce the flow of irregular migrants to his country.
In recent months, Mauritania has become a major crossing point for Spain, as increasing numbers of migrants try to reach European lands through the Canary Islands.
From the beginning of the year to mid-August, around 22,304 migrants arrived in the Canary Islands, compared to 9,864 migrants in the same period the previous year, an increase of 126%. For Spain as a whole, the increase was 66%, with the number of immigrants rising from 18,745 to 31,155 immigrants.
These statements issued by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior prompted Sanchez to begin a trip to West Africa, including Mauritania, Gambia and Senegal.
The visit to Nouakchott ended with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on circular migration between the two countries, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in this field by implementing a pilot project to select Mauritanian workers to work in Spain.
Contents of the memorandum
The memorandum of understanding signed between Mauritania and Spain contained several items, as the Spanish Ministry of Integration, Social Security and Immigration will inform the Mauritanian embassy of the job offers available in Spain, including the qualifications and conditions work required.
In return, the Mauritanian authorities will select applicants according to a system based on the principle of equal opportunity.
After selecting the candidates, they will undergo interviews and tests in Mauritania in the presence of representatives from both sides, after which the results will be documented and sent to Spain for the issuance of residence and work permits.
One of the basic provisions of the memorandum is the emphasis on the need for workers to return to Mauritania after the end of their contracts, while maintaining the confidentiality of the information exchanged between the two parties.
This memorandum is valid for one year, which can be renewed by agreement of both parties, in accordance with what was stated in the text of the memorandum.
What is circular migration?
Circular migration allows individuals to move from their home country to another country to work temporarily, and then return to their home country after the end of the work period.
It also helps countries experiencing labor shortages to find them, while at the same time promoting international cooperation between countries.
Spain started circular migration programs in 2000, and the countries participating in these programs have expanded over the years.
In 2022, he signed agreements with Morocco, Colombia, Honduras and Ecuador, in line with what Spain led. 19 thousand workers to Spain.
In 2023, other countries such as Senegal, Argentina and Uruguay joined, and around 17,000 people have benefited from these programmes.
In 2024, the number of participating countries has increased to include 11 countries, including Mauritania, with a total of around 20,000 workers so far, according to Spanish media.
Mauritanian opportunities
According to multiple studies published by the Spanish media, Spain needs around 300,000 migrant workers every year to fill the job shortage.
According to the media, the circular migration program represents part of Spain’s migration strategy which focuses on human rights, regular migration, and professional and social integration.
The Mauritanian government believes that the circular migration program will provide important job opportunities, with the potential to achieve long-term economic benefits for the country.
In this context, President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani said that he relies heavily on the personal commitment of the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, to facilitate the legal migration of Mauritanians to Spain and Europe, and to encourage circular migration.
As for Sanchez, he believes that circular migration is the most appropriate solution to combat what he called “mafias that traffic in human beings,” referring to smuggling networks.
He said in a press conference with Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, “The memorandum signed with Mauritania will allow the migration phenomenon to be managed in a humane, safe and orderly manner for the benefit of our society,” as he said.