The first group of Gambian workers selected under the Spain–Gambia Circular Migration Programme have officially received their visas and are scheduled to travel to Spain this week for seasonal agricultural work.

The milestone follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Gambian and Spanish governments in August 2024, aimed at providing legal employment opportunities abroad for Gambian nationals.

In February, the Gambian government launched the pre-selection process for the programme. Hundreds of young jobseekers flocked to the Department of Labour’s Fajara office in hopes of securing work permits—resulting in chaotic scenes as applicants jostled to submit their documents.

The bilateral agreement allows Gambian workers to take up temporary employment on Spanish farms, where seasonal labour shortages are common.

While the initiative has been welcomed by many as a lifeline for young people seeking opportunities abroad, critics argue it exposes the government’s failure to tackle soaring youth unemployment at home.

Despite the controversy, officials maintain the programme is a positive step toward safe and legal migration, and could offer valuable skills and income for returning workers.

More groups are expected to follow in the coming months as the programme rolls out in phases.