Migration en Mauritanie Migration en Mauritanie - IOM Publications ...

are migrating abroad. It is also worth noting that there are circular migration
opportunities linked to job offers according to the conditions of fixed-term
contracts, but in reduced numbers, particularly in some countries of the Arabian
Gulf and recently, in Spain.
The impact of migration on Mauritanian society
Immigration made it possible to offset an acknowledged shortage of
skilled labour, notably in the fisheries, building construction and services
sectors, and most recently, in the private education sector. This positive impact
enabled the country to overcome a constraint which impeded the development
of infrastructure and production in the decades following the country’s
independence. After the recent inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI),
particularly in extractive industries, the presence of skills drained by enterprises
operating in these sectors further allowed the Mauritanian economy to acquire
a new skilled labour force in these promising sectors.
The Mauritanian emigrants’ remittances play a crucial role in improving
the standard of living of families left behind in the country of origin, notably
through income distribution, houses built and other investment and incomegenerating
activities (Ba, 2006). However, it is obvious that Mauritanian brain
drain in search of better opportunities handicapped the development of some
sectors of the Mauritanian economy.
Policy framework and challenges of migration management
Following the wide media coverage of attempts to cross the Atlantic
through the Mauritanian coast, an initial plan for the management of these
migrations and focused on the protection of borders, was rapidly prepared by the
Mauritanian government. Likewise, an Interministerial Committee and a study
group on the management of migratory flows (GEFM) were set up. Bilateral and
multilateral cooperation was established between Mauritania and Europe.
As regards the management of foreign labour force, the Ministry of
Employment developed a foreign labour management strategy, along with an
implementation action plan, which provides for double anchorage at the national
employment policy level on the one hand, and with regard to the management
policy for the access, stay and establishment of foreigners in Mauritania, on the
other. Its general objective is to manage foreign labour so as to better contribute
to the country’s economic and social development.
The existing legal framework does not make room for the proper
management of emerging migratory issues and the consideration of all
24 Migration en Mauritanie: Profil National 2009