Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Immigration Department has reported a sharp rise in passport issuance during the final quarter of 2024, with a total of over 26,000 passports distributed. October saw the issuance of 6,012 passports, followed by 9,444 in November and a notable 11,000 in December.

Immigration officials note that the department typically processes between 200 to 250 passports daily, amounting to an average of 5,000 to 7,000 per month. The recent surge significantly surpasses these figures, reflecting increased demand for travel documents among Gambians.

This rise in passport applications coincides with The Gambia’s recent bilateral labor agreements with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Spain, aimed at expanding employment opportunities for Gambian youths abroad.

Saudi Arabia Labor Agreement

In September 2024, The Gambia ratified a Domestic Workers Recruitment Agreement with Saudi Arabia, allowing Gambians to legally work as domestic workers in the kingdom. Under this arrangement, workers receive a monthly salary of $200, with expenses for food, housing, and medical care covered by their employers.

The recruitment process is managed by private agencies in collaboration with Gambian partners. As of early February 2025, agencies such as Gamjobs have enlisted over 8,000 potential candidates, with visa processing already underway.

Spain Circular Migration Program

In October 2024, The Gambia’s National Assembly ratified a Memorandum of Understanding on Circular Migration with Spain. This initiative seeks to recruit Gambian workers for seasonal employment in Spain’s agricultural sector, specifically for fruit picking.

The pilot phase will select 50 Gambians, with potential expansion based on the program’s success. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment is overseeing the selection process to ensure transparency. The government has also warned that no private recruitment agencies are authorized to facilitate employment under this program, urging the public to remain cautious of fraudulent recruitment schemes.

The surge in passport issuance suggests that many Gambians view these programs as viable pathways to economic opportunities abroad. The government maintains that these agreements are part of a long-term strategy to address youth unemployment through legal and structured migration avenues.

With thousands of Gambians preparing to depart under these labor schemes, debates over fair compensation, workers’ rights, and ethical recruitment practices continue to shape the national discourse.