INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE GAMBIA

This article examined International Migration and Economic Development in The Gambia. Since at least the emergence of the Westphalian state, migration from one country to another has been primarily regulated by the decisions of the sovereign nation regarding who is allowed into and out of their national boundaries. Migration therefore has become an important economic activity that has lifted the lives of many migrants, though with some hiccups in the country of their migration. The Gambia has experienced a high rate of international migration to developed European and American countries, with some accruing economic benefits. The study employed qualitative approach using content analysis of secondary sources to meet the study objectives. It has been discovered that economic reasons more than any other reasons stand topmost in precipitating international migrations in The Gambia and the strength of the push-pull factors always emanate from their filial country. The author submits that in order to stem and mitigate the spate of migration in The Gambia, the government of the day in the country should create meaningful and rewarding job opportunities for the youths and employable adults.