Senegalese MPs, led by Minister Yacine Fall, discussed the need for reciprocity and respect for the rights of Senegalese abroad. Concerns were raised over the harsh treatment of Senegalese in countries like Mauritania regarding residence permits. Parliamentarians called for fair treatment and proposed a review of bilateral agreements with host countries.
On Monday, Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Yacine Fall, addressed the National Assembly about a legislative bill allowing the Senegalese president to ratify an agreement with Morocco pertaining to assistance for prisoners and the transfer of convicted individuals. During this session, she weighed in on the challenges faced by Senegalese citizens abroad, specifically in relation to residence permits and the harassment some face in their host countries.
Yacine Fall highlighted how certain Senegalese in Mauritania lack residence permits, leading to them being exposed to harassment. She noted that while every nation has its regulations regarding foreigners, host countries must also honor the human rights and dignity of the individuals they harbor. Fall stated, “It is not acceptable to persecute a person simply because they do not have a residence permit.”
MP Tahirou Sarr aligned himself with Fall’s views, emphasizing the need for reciprocal treatment. He criticized the fact that citizens from countries such as Gabon, Morocco, and Mauritania can reside in Senegal without restrictions while Senegalese nationals in those same countries face exorbitant fees for residency. He argued that Senegal should not be a “ground of unilateral tolerance.”
Supporting Sarr’s stance, MPs Guy Marius Sagna and Babacar Ndiaye called for Senegal to enforce better reciprocity policies regarding the treatment of its citizens abroad. They urged the government to demand equitable treatment for Senegalese citizens in line with the standards given to foreign nationals in Senegal.
This debate raises critical concerns about the rights of migrants and the necessity to reassess bilateral agreements between Senegal and other countries. The ongoing discussion underscores a demand for stronger protective measures for Senegalese abroad, ensuring that their rights are upheld against arbitrary legal challenges and the preconditions imposed by foreign governments.
The recent discussions within the Senegalese National Assembly highlight urgent issues regarding the treatment of Senegalese expatriates, particularly concerning residence permits and their rights abroad. With calls for reciprocal agreements and fairness in treatment, there is a stronger push for the Senegalese government to protect its citizens, reflecting a broader dialogue on the rights of migrants. As these conversations continue, the necessity for revised bilateral agreements becomes evident.
Original Source: www.senenews.com
