The Gambia, formally the Republic of the Gambia, is a West African nation. Except for its western shore on the Atlantic Ocean, it is the smallest nation on the African mainland and is bordered by Senegal. The Gambia is located on both sides of the lower portions of the Gambia River, which runs through the country's center and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. It has a land area of 10,689 square kilometers (4,127 square miles) and a population of 1,857,181 according to the April 2013 census. Banjul is the Gambian capital and the biggest urban region in the nation. Serekunda and Brikama are the two major cities.
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to explore the Gambian territory in 1455, but they never developed significant commerce there. The Gambia was admitted to the British Empire in 1765 with the formation of the Gambia. The Gambia won independence in 1965 under the leadership of Dawda Jawara, who reigned until Yahya Jammeh took control in a bloodless revolution in 1994. After beating Jammeh in the December 2016 elections, Adama Barrow became The Gambia's third president in January 2017. Jammeh originally accepted the results before refusing to leave office, resulting in a constitutional crisis and military intervention by the Economic Community of the West African States, which ended in his ouster two days after his tenure was set to expire.
The Gambia's economy is driven by agriculture, fishing, and, most notably, tourism. In 2015, 48.6 percent of the population was poor. Poverty was considerably more prevalent in rural regions, accounting for about 70% of the population.
An employee's yearly leave is defined by the terms of their employment contract between the employee and the company. Annual leave is compensated at 100% of the employee's regular salary. If a public holiday falls within an employee's yearly leave, he or she is entitled to an additional day's salary as compensation.
New Year’s Day
Independence Day
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Labour Day
Laylat al-Qadr
Eid al-Fitr
Africa Day
Revolution Day
Eid al-Adha
Assumption Day
Ashura
Prophets Birthday
Christmas
An employee's sick leave is governed by their employment contract or a collective bargaining agreement. The work contract also determines the rate at which sick leave is paid.
Female employees who meet the requirements are entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave. The first six weeks are taken prior to the kid's expected due date, and the last six weeks are taken after the kid is delivered. The company covers the entire cost of the employee's wage. Female employees must have worked for the same employer for two years prior to taking the leave to be eligible.
There are no provisions in the Gambian law regarding paternity leave.
Other than the already mentioned terms regarding maternity and paternity leaves, there are no other provisions in the law in Gabon regarding parental leave.
Fixed-term employment contracts may be cancelled by either the employer or the employee at the end of the contract period. During the probationary phase, either side may terminate the employment contract without cause. Additionally, an employer may remove an employee without notice for extreme wrongdoing. Employers are required to submit a written explanation for a significant misconduct termination upon the terminated employee's request. Employees who have been terminated for serious misconduct have the right to react to the employer's allegations. For non-serious misconduct occurring outside of the probation period, either the employer or employee may terminate the employment contract by providing notice.
A fixed-term contract has a 14-day notice period. For an indefinite length contract, the notice period is determined by the employee's tenure and the salary payment interval.
The probationary period cannot exceed 12 months for skilled workers.
Dismissals for redundancy are governed by special rules.
Monday through Friday, the standard workday is eight hours.
Gambia places restrictions and requirements on the employment of young workers. Violations of these rules may result in severe penalties. Employment requires a minimum age of sixteen.
Gambia's labor law is silent on work hour limits, overtime, rest periods, and work schedules in general.
The minimum wage in The Gambia is 50 dalasi per day, or $1.25. The minimum wage was last changed in 2015, so the employer should keep an eye out for any changes in the coming years. If the employees are members of a trade union or a collective bargaining agreement, the Gambia compensation laws may change (CBA).
Gambia offers free healthcare to all citizens.
Companies in Gambia are subject to a corporate tax rate of 31 percent.
Individuals in Gambia are imposed an income tax rate between 0 percent and 30 percent. The actual percentage depends on the income bracket the individual belongs to.
Gambia does not impose a value-added tax (VAT) or a goods and sales tax (GST).
The Gambia Visa Policy is a collection of regulations and limits that govern whether or not a foreign citizen must apply for a visa to visit Gambia. A visa is a travel authorisation granted by a government to a foreign citizen for admission and stay in that country.
The criteria of the visa are defined by the traveler's citizenship, the purpose of the visit, and the expected period of stay in the nation.
Citizens of around 144 countries and territories are permitted to visit the Gambia without a travel permission or a visa, according to the Gambia Visa Policy. These nationals just need to submit a valid passport to verify their nationality at the port of entry in order to visit the Gambia.
According to the Gambia Visa Policy, passport holders from about seventeen countries may visit Gambia visa-free, however they must get approval from Gambian immigration prior to departure to enter the country.
Only four countries are eligible for Visa on Arrival. After landing in the nation, people of these countries may apply for a visa.
According to the Gambia Visa Policy, people of the remaining countries must apply for an Embassy Visa to enter the country.
According to the Gambia Visa Policy, passport holders from around 104 countries and territories may visit the country without a visa. Citizens of these countries are permitted to visit the Gambia and stay for a maximum of 90 days.
About 17 nations are also visa-free for admission into Gambia, although passport holders from these countries must clear entry with Gambian immigration before leaving their home country.
Citizens of almost four countries may visit the Gambia by applying for a Visa on Arrival and staying for a maximum of 28 days.
Passport holders from the rest of the globe must apply for an Embassy Visa in order to visit the Gambia and remain for a maximum of 30 days.
A valid passport, trip itinerary, aircraft tickets, travel insurance, and lodging information are required to apply for a Gambia Tourist Visa.
A Gambia Tourist Visa may be obtained by visiting the closest Embassy and submitting an application form along with accompanying papers.
Employment contracts in Gambia may be oral or written, but it is essential to have a robust, written contract in English that specifies clearly the conditions of the employee's remuneration, perks, and termination criteria. In the Gambia, an offer letter and job contract should always include the salary and any compensation amounts in Gambian Dalasi rather than a foreign currency.
There is no set length for assignments. This is usually indicated in the employment contract for fixed-term employments.
Gambian Dalasi (GMD)
Euro (EUR)
United States Dollar (USD)
Pound Sterling (GBP)
Every firm moving to The Gambia must choose a city or area that is welcoming to international incorporation. Different areas of The Gambia may have their own The Gambia subsidiary laws on occasion. If you are unfamiliar with the various regions, we suggest dealing with a consultant or lawyer who can assist you in making a decision. Choose an office space in a low-cost, high-availability location with favorable legislation.
In addition to deciding on a location, you must also decide on the sort of entity that is ideal for your company's purposes. According to The Gambia's subsidiary legislation, you may incorporate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), organization, or association. There is no right or incorrect answer, but each organization has its own set of rules that govern what activities you may engage in in the nation.
An LLC is the most popular choice since it provides you with the greatest freedom and flexibility while doing business in The Gambia. You may establish your subsidiary in The Gambia by following these steps:
1. Employ a legal practitioner to draft the memorandum and articles of incorporation.
2. Obtain a federal tax identification number.
3. Fill out business registration paperwork
4. Open a local bank account, pay the minimal income tax, and register your firm.
5. Forms contained in the company's actions should be notarized by a notary public or commissioner of oaths.
6. Obtain an incorporation certificate from the Registrar of Companies at the Ministry of Justice in Banjul.
7. Obtain a municipal trade license from your municipality.
As a private corporation, you must have at least one director and list all directors' names and nationalities in your essential documentation. Every business in The Gambia requires a secretary who is not necessary an employee of the business. Keep in mind that your only director, or an employee operating in that capacity, cannot simultaneously serve as secretary.
Subsidiary laws in The Gambia will also require you to maintain records on:
1. Members
2. Directors
3. Secretaries
4. Mortgages
5. Debts
6. Holdings of directors
7. Minutes of board of directors and members meetings
