At the end of 2024, the Spanish authorities announced the extension of the GECCO order, opening more employment places and extending the program to new countries.
Although Guatemala was not mentioned in the official statementthe Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (Mentrab) confirmed in January 2025 that a group of Guatemalans would participate in the Temporary work program abroad.
This project allows migration regular, orderly and safewith the guarantee of return to the country. In this first phase, workers will perform work in the Red fruits culture in Huelva, Spain.
It may also be interested in reading: Work in Guatemala: which sectors have more job offer and what regions could hire more.
The first group of Guatemalans is already in Spain
Contracting companies in Spain selected 400 Guatemalan workersof which the first group of 51 people traveled on February 10.
The hiring period is six monthsperiod in which they will work in the agricultural sector, specifically in the collection of red and citrus fruits.
Heidy 👩🌾✈️ is part of the first group of 51 Guatemalans who traveled to Spain 🇪🇸 through the temporary work program abroad of the #Mintrabgt
In the coming months, Heidy and his teammates will work on the harvest of red and citrus fruits in Huelva.#Utzsamaj 🇬🇹 pic.twitter.com/vk5ylsds9x
– Mentrab (@Mintrabajoguate) February 17, 2025
According to the Mentrab, to date they have traveled 150 workers in three groupsand it is expected that the Fourth contingent leaves March 5.
In total, the group is made up of 187 women and 199 menfrom different departments of the country, who completed their selection process and interviews in 2024.
In addition to Spain, the Mentrab authorities explained that Guatemala maintains bilateral agreements In terms of temporary work with the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Belize, and has sent workers to Canada under similar programs.
How to apply to the temporary work program?
Guatemalans interested in participating in this program must meet certain requirements and complete a selection process.
🇬🇹🤝🇪🇸 | The @Embuate_es He received a group of Guatemalan temporary workers who will work in the cultivation of red fruits in Spain. This effort is possible thanks to the inter -institutional work of the @Mintrabajoguate and the @Minexgtfacilitating opportunities in the … pic.twitter.com/qkqo0y0xa8
– Minex Guatemala 🇬🇹 (@minexgt) Februry 20, 2025
Requirements
To be eligible, the candidate must present the following documents before the Mentrab:
- Registration form in the program.
- Legible photocopy of the DPI.
- Birth certification.
- Marriage certification or de facto union (if applied).
- Children’s birth certification (if apply).
- Photocopy of title or diploma of studies.
- Criminal and police records.
- Certification of processed files issued by the Public Ministry.
- Certificate of the National Registry of Sexual Aggressors (RENNA).
- Certificate of roots.
- Two letters of recommendation.
Selection process
The Mentrab publishes the calls through the WEB PORTAL YOUR EMPLOYMENT and other media. The process consists of three phases:
- Recruitment: A candidate preselection is made.
- Selection: Interviews and document evaluation are carried out.
- Visa: Workers receive the necessary documentation to travel.
The labor mobility program in Spain
The GECCO order allows the hiring of foreign workers in different sectors, mainly in agriculturealthough areas such as services, trade, construction, hospitality and food industry.
The employers They must guarantee adequate accommodationthe Travel organizationhe compliance with the contract and working conditions.
For its part, the workers HE commit to return to Guatemala At the end of the Yan contractor carry out work activities outside the stipulated In its authorization.
This program represents a New Employment Opportunity for Guatemalansfacilitating access to formal work abroad and promoting a safe and planned migration.