The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE) has confirmed that three Gambian migrant workers have absconded from a bilateral labour scheme with Spain.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry, the incident was reported by the Spanish company AFRUCAT through the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Dakar.

The three men were part of the first batch of Gambian workers who recently travelled to Spain under the Bilateral Labour Agreement between the Government of The Gambia and the Kingdom of Spain.

The Ministry said the individuals went missing on 27 July 2025 and have not been seen at work or reported to authorities since 28 July.

They also failed to attend scheduled appointments for the processing of their work and residence permits.

In response, MoTIE has urged the absconded individuals to return to their designated farms immediately and complete their permit documentation.

The Ministry also called on future beneficiaries of the programme to honour the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, stressing that such opportunities should benefit all Gambians.

By Adama Makasuba