Africa-Press – Gambia. The Spanish Embassy in The Gambia has issued a formal statement urging Gambian workers participating in the country’s circular migration pilot program to respect their contractual obligation to return home by the agreed deadline. of October 6, 2025.
The call comes amid concerns that some participants in the pilot scheme designed to offer legal seasonal work opportunities in Spain have not yet returned as required, following the expiration of their work contracts.
According to the Embassy, six Gambian workers have already returned, while others remain in Spain, citing alleged administrative delays. The Embassy confirmed that Spanish and Gambian authorities are in direct contact with those who have yet to return.
In the statement, the Embassy reminded all participants of their obligation to return to The Gambia without delay, emphasizing that compliance is necessary for future participation in the program.
“Those workers who fail to respect the commitment of return will be automatically excluded from the program,” the statement warned.
The Embassy also reminded workers that overstaying their visas or work permits constitutes a violation of Spanish and EU immigration laws, which could have serious legal consequences.
Spain reiterated that it remains committed to expanding legal migration pathways for Gambians, noting that the success of the pilot program could lead to broader opportunities not just with Spain, but potentially with other European countries.
“This first programme is a pilot that, if successful, can be scaled up and potentially replicated by other countries in Europe,” the Embassy stated. “Those who fail to comply risk not only their own opportunity but also jeopardize the entire migration agreement between The Gambia and Spain.”
The Embassy stressed that the circular migration initiative has been successfully implemented in other parts of the world, contributing positively to the lives of workers and their families, while helping to curb irregular migration and the dangers associated with illegal routes.
The statement concluded by reaffirming its full commitment to legal, safe, and dignified migration and called on all Gambians to support the program through compliance and cooperation.
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