By Abdoulie John
Renowned migration advocate Adrian Corish has called on the Gambian government to address unlivable wages and intense family pressures as the primary drivers of irregular migration, warning that enforcement measures alone will not stem the tide.
In an open letter dated January 8, addressed to Gambian authorities—and obtained by The Alkamba Times—Corish, founder of the African Migration Advisory Center (AMAC), emphasized that the crisis stems from economic desperation rather than recklessness or a lack of patriotism.
“Irregular migration cannot be addressed effectively through border control, messaging campaigns, or enforcement alone,” Corish wrote. “At its core, irregular migration in The Gambia is driven by economic survival.”
His plea comes amid heightened concerns following a deadly boat capsizing off the Gambian coast on New Year’s Eve, which claimed at least 39 lives, with dozens still missing. President Adama Barrow has since vowed a full-scale crackdown on smuggling networks, pledging to hold organizers accountable and strengthen prevention efforts.
Corish argued that many Gambians are fulfilling societal expectations—working long hours, commuting, and supporting families—yet find that employment no longer ensures basic survival. “For a growing number of households, working no longer guarantees survival,” he stated.
He highlighted the daily struggles workers face, where transportation costs alone devour significant portions of their earnings. Rising prices of essentials like rice, oil, sugar, fish, and vegetables exacerbate the issue. “A worker may leave home having already spent money on transport and food, only to realise that the day’s wages will not even replace what was spent to go to work,” Corish deplored.
Low wages, observers note, are pushing young people toward perilous journeys to Europe in pursuit of better opportunities. Economic hardship remains a dominant factor in the ongoing migration crisis.
The activist painted a grim picture of the broader impacts when wages fall short of living costs: women taking on extra informal jobs, increased household stress affecting children’s education and wellbeing, deteriorating nutrition and health, and a profound erosion of dignity.
“This is not sustainable. It is not fair. It is not compatible with national stability,” he asserted.
Corish stressed that Gambians do not migrate to abandon their country but because decent work no longer affords dignity or survival. “If wages remain below the cost of basic living, irregular migration will continue regardless of enforcement, messaging, or patrols.”
AMAC, established by Corish after years of witnessing migration tragedies, focuses on supporting returnees, raising awareness about dangers, and advocating for humane policies. The organization has been vocal amid recent surges, including reports of thousands attempting the “backway” route in late 2025.
As authorities intensify patrols and arrests—recently intercepting hundreds of would-be migrants—Corish urged a long-term strategy centered on aligning salaries with the real cost of living and easing familial expectations that often compel youth to risk everything.
Without tackling these root causes, he warned, the heartbreaking losses at sea will persist.
