From 25 to 26 September 2025, the seaside resort of Saly hosted a capacity-building workshop for media stakeholders on the illicit trafficking of migrants and the role of the press in tracking irregular migration. Organised by the Interministerial Committee for the Fight Against Irregular Migration (CILMI) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the event brought together journalists and national and international experts to discuss these critical issues in depth.

During these discussions, Police General Controller Modou Diagne, the CILMI Permanent Secretary, presented circular migration as a viable alternative to irregular migration. Diagne argued that this migration policy, which encourages temporary mobility and the return of workers, could be a powerful driver of development for Senegal, facilitating the transfer of skills and contributing to local economies.

While avoiding precise figures, Dr Diagne emphasised the need to strengthen existing mechanisms through an inclusive approach, in order to prevent abuse and ensure programme effectiveness. He also praised the efforts of the new team at the State Secretariat for Senegalese Abroad in managing the latest circular migration programme, highlighting the measures taken to prevent setbacks. 

The Permanent Secretary of CILMI recommended drawing inspiration from Morocco’s experience, which is often cited as a success story in this area. He believes that Morocco’s strategies, which are based on clear legal frameworks, rigorous monitoring and effective reintegration mechanisms, could serve as a model for Senegal and other countries in the sub-region.

In conclusion, Dr Diagne emphasised the importance of validating and implementing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for circular migration. This is essencial for standardising practices, ensuring safe migration routes, and optimising the benefits of this type of mobility. He noted that the final draft of the SOP had been technically validated on 1 September 2025, thanks to the collaborative efforts of key ministries and stakeholders, including the Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, the State Secretariat for Senegalese Abroad, the Ministry of Vocational Training, and the Ministry of Labour.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the rapid implementation of this procedure would demonstrate Senegal’s strong commitment to promoting well-managed, humane and mutually beneficial migration.