Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Spanish Embassy in Banjul has reminded Gambian workers participating in Spain’s first circular migration pilot program of their obligation to return home after completing their contracts, stressing that failure to do so could jeopardize the entire initiative.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the embassy confirmed that the workers’ contracts had ended and that the deadline for their return has been set for October 6, 2025.

So far, six workers have already returned, while Spanish and Gambian authorities remain in contact with those still in Spain.

The embassy said some workers had delayed their return, citing administrative reasons, but warned that staying beyond the expiration of their contracts and visas would breach Spanish and European Union immigration laws.

“All participants must return to The Gambia without delay, which will allow them to continue being part of the program and work in Spain next year,” the statement noted. “Those who fail to respect this commitment will be automatically excluded from the program.”

Officials further cautioned that non-compliance by individual workers could put the entire bilateral agreement at risk, potentially depriving hundreds or even thousands of Gambians of the chance to work legally in Europe.

The circular migration scheme, launched as a pilot project, is designed to provide legal pathways for Gambians to work in Spain while also discouraging dangerous irregular migration routes.

Spain has successfully implemented similar initiatives in other countries, the embassy said, and hopes the program with The Gambia can be scaled up if it proves successful.

“Spain remains fully committed to providing legal pathways to Gambian citizens in order to prevent the loss of lives in the perilous illegal routes and provide economic opportunities,” the statement concluded, calling on Gambians to support the program’s success.