By: Rohey Samba
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MoTIE) has expressed serious concern over the disappearance of 33 Gambian circular migrant workers in Spain, warning that their actions could jeopardize future labour mobility agreements.
Speaking at a press conference held on Friday, 12th September 2025, Minister Babucarr Ousmaila Joof updated the public on the troubling development, revealing that the absconded workers were part of the first cohort sent to Spain under a circular migration programme. The workers were expected to work for three months and return to The Gambia upon completion of their contracts.
“We were initially informed that three workers had absconded after receiving their first payments. This was very disturbing,” said Minister Joof. “Subsequently, by the end of the second month, we received confirmation that a total of 33 individuals, including the first three, had vanished. They could not be traced by either the Gambian Embassy in Spain or their colleagues.”
The Minister emphasized that the workers’ return was a key condition of the agreement, warning that any breach could endanger the entire circular migration framework.
“This programme is based on trust and mutual responsibility. If these workers fail to return as agreed, the entire bilateral arrangement with Spain will be in jeopardy,” he warned.
Minister Joof also disclosed that a second batch of 50 individuals had already been interviewed and selected for similar programmes in other European countries, including Poland. However, he cautioned that the ongoing situation in Spain could affect broader international cooperation.
“If Spain decides to pull out due to this breach, the likelihood of engaging with other European countries will be greatly reduced,” he noted.
The Minister appealed directly to the absconded workers, urging them to return to The Gambia “as soon as possible” or face unspecified consequences. He reiterated the importance of upholding the agreement, not only for their personal integrity but also for the benefit of future participants and The Gambia’s international reputation.
The circular migration programme is intended to offer Gambian youths legal and temporary employment opportunities abroad, to enhance skills development and reduce irregular migration. The recent developments, however, pose a significant challenge to its continuity.
Minister Joof concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting safe and orderly labour migration but stressed that this would only be possible through strict adherence to international agreements.