Paraguay has officially launched its Circular Labour Migration Programme with Spain, an initiative marked by the departure of the first contingent of 100 Paraguayan workers. The group departed from Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción, bound for Huelva, Spain. They will work for approximately eight months in fruit harvesting. This programme represents a step in formalising international labour opportunities for Paraguayan citizens.
The workers secured their positions through Paraguay’s Ministry of Labour’s EmpleaPy portal. This platform facilitated the application and selection process for the temporary roles. The initiative ensures that all participants work under a formal labour contract, which includes social security benefits and a predetermined employment period, providing a secure and regulated environment.
Details of the employment agreement
Under the terms of the agreement, the Paraguayan workers will receive a salary of €60 per hour. The recruiting companies in Spain are responsible for covering the cost of the outbound airfare, and will also provide shared accommodation for the groups of workers during their stay. According to the Vice Minister of Employment, Verónica López, the employees themselves will be responsible for their own food expenses, and the cost of their return flights to Paraguay at the conclusion of the work period.
This financial arrangement ensures that the initial barrier to entry, the significant cost of international travel, is removed for the selected candidates. Consequently, it allows a wider pool of applicants to consider the opportunity. The monitoring of the workers’ welfare will not cease upon their arrival in Spain. Diplomatic representations will actively follow the group, guaranteeing that their working conditions remain adequate and in line with the signed agreements throughout their time in the country.
Profile of the programme participants
The first group of workers is composed of 57% men and 43% women. The largest age group consists of individuals between 25 and 29 years old, who make up 29% of the total. This is followed by those aged 30 to 34, at 19%, and the 20 to 24 age bracket, at 18%. Additionally, workers between 35 and 39 years old represent 13% of the group, while those between 40 and 44 account for 9%. The youngest participants, aged 18 and 19, make up 8% of the contingent, and a smaller group of workers over 45 years old constitutes the remaining 4%.
The initiative has a distinct national scope, with workers hailing from numerous departments across Paraguay. These include Caaguazú, San Pedro, Central, Asunción, Cordillera, Guairá, Canindeyú, Misiones, and Paraguarí. This approach, according to officials, ensures that the economic benefits and skills gained from the experience are distributed more broadly upon their return.
Formalisation of the international accord
The departure of the Paraguayan workers from the airport was an event filled with emotion and hope, attended by national authorities and representatives from the Spanish Embassy who gathered to wish the workers well. The Circular Labour Migration Programme was formally established on 23 July 2025, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Mónica Recalde, and the Spanish Ambassador to Paraguay, Javier Parrondo.
The formalisation of this accord took place within the framework of an official visit to Paraguay by the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez. During his visit, Sánchez held a meeting with the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña.
Also read: Che Róga Porã 2.0 To Reach Spain With Housing Opportunities For Paraguayan Migrants.
