By Buba Gagigo
The Government of The Gambia has announced the eligibility criteria for Gambians seeking employment in Spain under the Gambia-Spain Labour Migration Agreement. As part of the requirements, applicants must be between the ages of 25 and 50, possess a valid Gambian passport for at least one year, and have a minimum of one year of experience in agriculture preferably in fruit picking and handling.
The announcement was made on Tuesday as the government outlined the pre-selection process for the pilot phase of the program.
According to the government, starting Monday, 3rd February 2025, the Public Employment Services Unit of the Department of Labour, under the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Employment, will begin processing applications for seasonal agricultural workers in Spain based on the following criteria:
“Applicants must be Gambian nationals between 25 and 50 years of age in possession of a valid Gambian passport for at least ONE year with experience in agriculture, ideally in fruit picking and handling. Be in good physical health, attested by a medical certificate. Have a clean criminal record attested by a police Certificate of Character and demonstrate immediate availability with a commitment to return home once the worker is selected. Those with Criminal Record in EU Countries shall not be eligible to apply,” the government announced.
The government has also designated several locations where they require interested applicants to collect and submit their forms during working hours:
- The Department of Labour, 110 Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, for Banjul and KMC.
- Basse Youth Centre, for Upper River Region.
- Brikama Youth Office, for West Coast Region.
- Soma Youth Centre, for Lower River Region.
- Janjanbureh Youth Centre, for Central River Region.
- Farafenni Youth Centre, for North bank Region.
The statement went on to urged applicants to attach copies of their valid passport, medical certificate, police Certificate of Character, and any other relevant documents to their application before submission.
The government emphasized that the selection process is entirely free of charge. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which will be conducted by officials from the Spanish Office of Labour, Migration, and Social Security, the Spanish Embassy in The Gambia, and the Spanish employer.
“Valid copies of passports, medical certificates, certificates of character and any document deemed relevant to the application process must be attached to the application for submission.”
The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. Prospective applicants are advised to adhere strictly to the outlined requirements and avoid any fraudulent schemes related to the application process.
For further inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact the designated centers or visit the Department of Labour for assistance.
“The Gambia Government wants to emphasize that the selection process is completely FREE of Charge. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview to determine the final selection. The interview panel comprises the Spanish Office of Labour, Migration and Social Security officials, the Spanish Embassy in The Gambia and the Spanish employer,” the statement concluded.
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