Senegalese MPs Advocate for Reciprocity and Rights of Nationals Abroad

Senegal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yacine Fall, addressed MPs regarding a bill on prisoner agreements with Morocco, highlighting concerns about the rights and residence permits of Senegalese citizens abroad. MPs called for reciprocal treatment in permit policies, emphasizing the need for fairness and contract reassessment with other nations. The discussions highlighted ongoing concerns over the protection of Senegalese rights internationally and the pursuit of more favorable policies for its citizens.

On Monday, Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Yacine Fall, addressed the National Assembly regarding a bill that would enable the Senegalese president to ratify an agreement with Morocco focusing on prisoner assistance and the transfer of convicted individuals. This session provided an opportunity for the minister to clarify the conditions local Senegalese face abroad, notably concerning residence permits.

Minister Fall condemned the precarious situation of some Senegalese nationals, particularly in Mauritania, where the absence of residence permits can subject them to significant harassment. She emphasized the necessity for Senegalese individuals to adhere to local laws while also asserting that host countries must uphold human rights and human dignity. “It is not acceptable to persecute a person simply because they do not have a residence permit,” stated Yacine Fall.

During the session, MP Tahirou Sarr voiced a similar stance but insisted on a reciprocal approach. He highlighted the disparity where numerous foreigners, including Gabonese, Moroccans, and Mauritanians, can reside in Senegal without fees, whereas Senegalese must endure excessive charges for residence permits in those same countries. Sarr argued that the issue of fairness necessitates that Senegal cease being a “ground of unilateral tolerance.”

Additionally, MPs Guy Marius Sagna and Babacar Ndiaye echoed this sentiment, advocating for a firmer stance from Senegal. They called for a policy of reciprocity regarding the treatment of foreign nationals, asserting, “It is time for Senegal to demand fair treatment for its citizens, like the countries where we send our compatriots.”

This situation underscores broader concerns regarding the rights of migrants and the necessity to reevaluate bilateral agreements between Senegal and its partners, both African and international. As discourse continues over the reciprocity of conditions for foreign nationals, there are increasing calls for a more protective policy for Senegalese citizens residing abroad, addressing the inherent rights and protections owed to them under national and international laws.

The discussions in the Senegalese National Assembly reflect critical concerns regarding the treatment and rights of Senegalese citizens abroad. Minister Yacine Fall and various MPs have emphasized the need for reciprocity in residence permit policies, denouncing the unjust treatment of Senegalese in foreign nations. This dialogue not only illustrates the pressing issues surrounding migrant rights but also calls for a reevaluation of Senegal’s agreements with its international partners to ensure the dignity and protection of its citizens abroad.

Original Source: www.senenews.com