Policy and institutional frameworks : Senegal country report

Abstract

This paper gives an outline of the policies adopted in Senegal for dealing with the emigration of its citizens and for engaging with its diaspora. It shows that the country does not have a coherent policy framework for managing this phenomenon, despite the long history and the high level of international out-migration. The managing of migration is done by different governmental departments and ministries, which have been criticized for their lack of coordination. Senegal is increasingly working with European states and has signed several bilateral agreements with France and Spain, whose objectives are reducing irregular flows, organizing legal channels of migration and offering public aid for infrastructure. Moreover, the government has been actively trying to engage Senegalese living abroad in the economic development of Senegal and of their origin communities, while also promoting the return and reintegration of the members of the diaspora. Other actors, such as international organization, private banks and particularly migrant associations have been involved in such efforts.