La diaspora sénégalaise : Entre solitude, pression psychologique et responsabilités familiales
The Senegalese diaspora, as President Diomaye Faye rightly pointed out, is a major player in the socio-economic development of the country, contributing 12% to GDP.
Behind this significant contribution lie complex realities.
Indeed, depending on their route (students who become employees, workers who arrive directly in the host country), Senegalese people in the diaspora face real administrative, social, cultural and economic challenges in the host countries.
Immigration laws in host countries are becoming increasingly restrictive, often placing foreigners in a state of constant administrative uncertainty. For example, the right to residency for graduates is conditional upon obtaining employment in their field of study. This raises two problems: not only are they victims of hiring discrimination, but the job search period is limited to one year. As a result, some lose their right to residency once they graduate and are unemployed. And without a residency permit, there is no work.
For Senegalese who arrive directly to find work, the right to residency remains conditional on a specific duration and stable employment. However, when one is not in a regular situation, finding work is a veritable miracle.
In addition to these administrative difficulties, there are difficulties in cultural adaptation, financial difficulties in carrying out the procedures, travel, and accommodation.
Beyond these problems in host countries, the diaspora also faces enormous pressure from family, friends, and acquaintances back home. The diaspora is seen as a cash cow.
After a workday that can start at 4am-6am and end at 6pm or even 7pm, with all kinds of situations involving contempt, discrimination, rejection, and racism, the greatest good that family in Senegal can do is to check in on them and offer encouragement.
Unfortunately, calls and messages from Senegal are often a source of anxiety for the diaspora, as each message or call is a request for financial assistance, or even a demand. The reality is often overlooked, but some Senegalese in the diaspora struggle to meet their basic needs. To avoid feeling humiliated or scorned, some simply cut ties with their loved ones and go into hiding.
The diaspora gives, and it needs something in return to become even stronger. This return can be symbolic, through messages of love, small gifts from home, and words of encouragement.
Commentaires (16)
Malheureusement, certains reviennent en Afrique en conquérants, reproduisants (sans le faire exprès peut-être) les mêmes réflexes que les blancs racistes ont eu envers eux. Certains pensent que le statut de diaspora leur conférer automatiquement une stature au dessus de ceux qui sont restés au pays. Je parle surtout de compétences, de connaissance du monde. Parmi ceux qui sont restés au pays, il y en beaucoup qui voyagent beaucoup et ont accès à des réseaux auxquels la diaspora n’a pas accès….
Il y a aussi ceux qui ont choisi volontairement de ne jamais quitter leur pays malgré des opportunités claires et alléchantes. Que faut-il dire de ces super héros ???
Je crois fermement que diaspora et locaux doivent collaborer main dans la main et éviter les silos qui ne feront que nous diviser et nous retarder davantage.
Il y a aussi un oubli :
Il y a beaucoup de choses à régler dans la diaspora.
Ils te demandent de l'argent, sans jamais t'offrir quoi que ce soit. La donne c'est toujours dans le meme sens. Au senegal on considere la diaspora comme une MANGEOIRE.
Niakk coleure
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