The Republic of The Gambia is a small semi-enclave state located in West Africa. The population of the country is about 2.2 million people. The Gambia has an underdeveloped economy focused on agriculture. In addition, the country has a mining industry and food production, which are consumed in the domestic market. Few foreigners are working in the Gambia, as there are no suitable conditions and labor market for them.

Structure of the Gambian economy

The main activity, which employs about 75% of the country's able-bodied population, is agriculture. The main crop grown and exported by farmers is peanuts. This gives about 40% of foreign exchange income to the state treasury. In addition to peanuts, the following crops are grown in agriculture: millet, paddy rice, corn, oil palms, sorghum, cassava, and various legumes. In the field of agriculture, mainly residents work. There are no foreigners here because the wages are low, and there are plenty of local citizens who want to work.

The country's industrial sector is underdeveloped. It is represented by private businesses, both small and medium. Produced in the Gambia:

• Construction Materials;

• beer;

• soft drinks.

In addition, the industry associated with the cleaning and processing of peanuts is very developed. There is handicraft production of pottery, dressing of animal skins, and clothing production. In this area, work in the Gambia is not very promising for foreigners.

About 3.3% of the country's GDP is in the service sector. Including tourism and related activities. The government is investing resources in the development of the tourism industry, from which it is planned to receive a significant inflow of hard currency. However, there are not so many tourists who want to go to the Gambia today. But the sphere is developing, and there are all prerequisites for the fact that in a few years the tourist destination will work in full. Local hotels and the industry as a whole lack experienced guides who speak English. Therefore, local companies are happy to hire foreigners who are paid high wages.

Separately, it is worth noting the extraction of minerals — sand and clay. This industry is very developed. The final products are used in construction throughout the country. In particular, for the construction of hotels and other tourist facilities. Salaries here are small, however, almost everyone is hired.

The Gambia has developed electricity generation. To do this, there are thermal and hydroelectric power plants in the country. Qualified specialists with the appropriate education are invited to work on them. For foreigners, this is also an opportunity to get a job in the Gambia. To do this, you must obtain a work visa and confirm your qualifications in the manner prescribed by law.

Gambia work visa

It is illegal for foreigners to work in the Gambian territory illegally! For official employment, a citizen of another country is required to obtain an official work visa. In case of violation of the law, a foreigner will face a fine and deportation.

To obtain a work visa, you must first find an employer. This can be done in different ways. For example, via the Internet — on specialized sites, forums, through ads, or by directly contacting a specific company with an offer. Another option is to seek help from an intermediary. Many bureaus match workers from other countries for an employer in the Gambia.

The set of documents required to obtain a work visa may differ in individual cases. It depends on the position, company, and other nuances. However, in most cases, this set consists of the following documents:

• foreign passport with a minimum validity of 6 months;

• official invitation from the employer;

• a completed questionnaire, which indicates personal data and brief information about the position and salary level;

• Documents on rental housing in the Gambia;

• medical insurance;

• 2 color photographs 3.5×4.5 cm in size;

• yellow fever vaccination certificate;

• receipt of payment of the consular fee.

Documents can be processed independently at the Embassy of the Gambia, or seek help from a company that will take care of all the necessary paperwork. In the latter case, the company also provides legal support to a foreigner during a visa application, upon receipt, and its employees advise a foreigner on crossing the border with the Gambia.