By: Fatou Krubally
Three Gambian migrant workers who recently travelled to Spain under a bilateral labour agreement have absconded, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE) has announced.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, MoTIE said it received notification from the Spanish company AFRUCAT through the Spanish Embassy in Dakar, reporting the disappearance of the three individuals. The men were part of the first batch of Gambian workers sent to Spain under a government-to-government migration programme aimed at creating legal pathways for employment abroad.
The missing workers are:
Foday Marega,from Jahally, CRR South ,Seedia Kebbeh, from Jahally, CRR South, Demba Keita, from Sare Birom Kumba, North Bank Region
According to MoTIE, the trio had neither shown up for work since July 28th nor presented themselves for scheduled appointments to process their Spanish work and residence permits. Their absence was officially reported by AFRUCAT on July 27th, 2025.
MoTIE has called on the three men to return to the farm immediately and comply with the necessary immigration procedures. The Ministry also reminded the public and future applicants to respect the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between The Gambia and the Kingdom of Spain.
“This programme is designed to provide legal employment opportunities for Gambians, and any abuse of the system risks undermining future participation,” the statement said.
The public is urged to report any information about the whereabouts of the individuals to the Ministry.
The Gambia-Spain labour programme is part of ongoing efforts by the government to address youth unemployment and promote regular migration.
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