Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, the Gambia)- The Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Hon. Babucarr Joof, has told the National Assembly that 33 Gambian workers deployed to Spain under the Circular Migration Agreement have absconded, putting the future of the programme at risk.
Appearing before NAMs during the Ordinary Session, the Minister explained that the first batch of 39 workers left Banjul for Spain on June 24 and 25, 2025, to take up three-month seasonal contracts. Return tickets were purchased for them to travel back on September 6.
“Only six of the 39 workers returned as required. The remaining 33 did not come back and their whereabouts are currently unknown,” Joof revealed. He added that the Spanish authorities have cancelled the visas and work permits of the absconded workers, while giving them until October 6 to voluntarily return or face permanent exclusion from the scheme.
The Minister stressed that the breach has already tarnished Gambia’s credibility with partners. “As we speak, we had a request for 500 Gambian workers to go to Poland. All these opportunities have been squashed by the behaviour of 33 Gambians,” he lamented.
Hon. Joof insisted that conditions provided to the workers in Spain were adequate, including furnished accommodation, new transport facilities, washing machines, bicycles, and regular pay. According to him, disputes arose mainly among the workers themselves, not with their employers.
The Ministry has since published the names and photos of the absconded workers, urging families to prevail on them to return. The six who complied with the terms of the agreement have already been assured of redeployment to Spain in March 2026.
“This programme was their best opportunity to eventually live in Europe unhindered. If they honour the contract, within four years they qualify for permanent residence,” the Minister told NAMs, calling on the remaining workers to reconsider.
According to the Minister the Circular Migration Agreement was signed to provide Gambians with legal employment pathways in Spain while supporting labour needs in agriculture. With its future now uncertain, the government is racing to salvage the deal through diplomatic channels.
