In a move that has resonated strongly across West Africa, Spain’s decision in January 2026 to regularize nearly 500,000 undocumented migrants has been welcomed by Gambian migration experts as a pragmatic step forwardβoffering a stark contrast to the deterrence-focused policies that dominate much of Europe.
Adrian Corish, founder of the African Migration Advisory Centre (AMAC) based in The Gambia, described the Spanish policy as recognition of a fundamental reality: “People already living and working in our societies should not be treated as disposable.” He argues that regularisation brings order, formalises labour markets, safeguards rights, and directly addresses Europe’s chronic structural labour shortages in sectors such as agriculture, care work, construction, logistics, and the green economy.
While several European countries have doubled down on deportations, border fortifications, and returnsβmeasures Corish calls a “failure of design” rather than effortβSpain’s approach is seen in Banjul and beyond as proof that humane, labour-focused pathways can deliver better governance and shared benefits.
Building directly on this momentum, AMAC has unveiled a forward-looking proposal tailored to The Gambia’s context: the Gambian European Humanitarian Labour Bridge (HLB). The initiative aims to create safe, legal, and circular labour mobility channels between The Gambia and selected EU member states, starting with Spain.
Designed as a prevention-first pilot fully aligned with the EU Migration Pact, Talent Partnerships, and the Rabat Process, the HLB introduces several innovations including a AI-powered matching of Gambian workers to EU employers, supported by diaspora mentors; A secure “Smart Card & Wallet” system to manage identity, contracts, rights, and remittances; Family-linked incentives encouraging voluntary, timely returns; Green Circular Hubs to channel returned skills and savings into Gambian communities and sustainable projects
The proposed first phase targets 100 Gambian workers for placement in Spain’s green agriculture sector in 2026, evolving existing Spain-Gambia circular migration ties into a structured, prevention-oriented model.
Corish emphasises that the HLB is “not an experiment in generosity” but “an investment in prevention, order, and shared prosperity.” For The Gambiaβa country long affected by irregular migration risks, including dangerous sea crossingsβthe proposal represents a potential lifeline: reducing perilous journeys, creating legal opportunities, and fostering skills transfer that strengthens the homeland upon return.
As Spain charts a different course, Gambian voices are urging Europe to follow suit with practical, mutually beneficial partnerships rather than endless cycles of walls, patrols, returns, and tragedy.
