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Ministry of Interior, The Gambia., Bakau (2026)

24/08/2026

THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
THE GAMBIA GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON &
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER ON DIASPORA AFFAIRS
STATE HOUSE BANJUL

Press Dispatch from the Office of The Gambia Government Spokesperson: 24th August, 2026.

The Gambia Government Announces First Phase of New Biometric National Identity Card
Rollout

Banjul, The Gambia—The Gambia Government alongside the Ministry of Interior announces that the first phase of the public registration and issuance of new Biometric National Identity Cards for citizens aged 18 years and older, had begun on Tuesday 4th August, 2026 at designated enrolment centres across the Greater Banjul Area. This covers Banjul, Kanifing, Bundung, Abuko, Brusubi, Sanyang and Brikama where the highest registration demand is anticipated.

Once operations across the Greater Banjul Area are situated, deployment will then be extended to Sibanor in Foni, West Coast Region and Jarra Soma, Lower River Region starting Monday 7th September, 2026.

The roll-out for the North Bank Region, covering Barra, Kerewan and Farafenni and Central
River Region-North (Kaur), commences on Friday 11th September, 2026, while Central River Region-South (Janjambureh) and Upper River Region, covering Basse and Fatoto localities starts on Monday 21st September, 2026.

The fee for a first-time National Identity Card is D450 to be paid at any Ecobank branch across the country.
Except: holders of a valid and unexpired National Identity Card issued by The Gambia
Immigration Department may replace their existing card at no cost during this rollout process.

Equally, holders of enrollment printouts issued by The Gambia Immigration Department will be processed at no charge during the replacement period. Application forms are free of charge and accessible for download on the Interior Ministry’s website @: www.moi.gov.gm as well as The Gambia Immigration Department web portal @ www.gid.gov.gm effective today.

All eligible citizens are urged to cooperate fully with registration officials to ensure that the enrolment process is seamless, orderly, secure and efficient.

Documents Required: Applicants must present at least one of the following nationally recognized documents to establish their identity and eligibility for a National Identity Card: *A valid Gambian Passport; *A Gambian Birth Certificate; or *A valid or expired National Identity Card previously issued by The Gambia Immigration Department.

Applicants who do not possess any of the above documents must be identified and vouched for by both the Alkalo (Village head) and the Seyfo (District Chief) of their place of residence or origin to establish their eligibility for registration.

Designated Registration Centres—Greater Banjul Area
Registration will be conducted at the following designated Enrollment Centres:
1. Kanifing ID Card Centre, 2. ⁠Banjul Immigration HQ, 3. ⁠Bundung Police Station (ID Card Centre), 4. ⁠Brusubi Police Station (ID Card Centre), 5. ⁠Abuko Immigration Office, 6. ⁠Brikama ID Card Centre and 7. ⁠Sanyang Immigration Office.

Where applicable, applicants are encouraged to register at the designated enrolment centres serving their area of domicile. The Gambia Government urges all eligible citizens to register and thanks the public for its cooperation and support towards this important national programme.

Signed,
Ebrima G. Sankareh
The Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser [email protected], [email protected]

20/08/2026

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior, Return and Reintegration Thematic Working Group Holds Second Quarterly Meeting

Championed by the Ministry of Interior, the Return and Reintegration Thematic Working Group has held its second quarterly meeting to discuss key issues affecting returnees and identify practical measures to strengthen their reintegration into Gambian society.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Interior, brought together relevant government institutions, International Organization for Migration, development partners and other stakeholders involved in return and reintegration efforts.

The discussions focused on the challenges faced by returnees, including access to livelihood opportunities, skills development, employment and other forms of support essential to ensuring sustainable reintegration.

Participants also reviewed ongoing interventions, shared experiences and identified gaps requiring greater attention and coordinated action. Emphasis was placed on strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that returnees receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The Ministry of Interior underscored the importance of a coordinated and sustainable approach to return and reintegration, noting that effective reintegration requires the collective efforts of government, development partners, civil society organisations and other relevant actors.

The meeting further provided a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, address emerging challenges and explore practical ways of improving the delivery of reintegration support to returnees.

This Thematic Working Group reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening coordination, information sharing and joint action towards addressing the needs of returnees.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration among stakeholders and the development of practical interventions that promote dignified, sustainable and successful reintegration for returnees in The Gambia.

19/08/2026

Ministry of Interior Backs Formalisation of GIFNet at Constitutional Validation Workshop

The Ministry of Interior has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality, professional development and inclusive participation within The Gambia’s security sector, as the Gambia Immigration Department Female Network (GIFNet) holds a workshop to validate its Constitution.

Speaking at the Constitutional Validation Workshop, the Deputy Permanent Secretary Technical ,Mr Lamin Jatta of the Ministry of Interior described the establishment of GIFNet as a significant step towards creating a structured framework to guide the Network’s operations and contributions to the Gambia Immigration Department.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary Technical, said the validation of the Constitution goes beyond a procedural exercise, noting that it provides an important opportunity to integrate gender considerations into the institutional framework of the Department.

He congratulated the leadership of the Gambia Immigration Department for establishing the Network, describing the initiative as consistent with the Government’s commitment to gender equality and the Ministry’s broader institutional reform objectives.

According to him, the establishment of GIFNet reflects a progressive understanding that inclusive institutions are better positioned to respond to the complex challenges associated with border management and migration governance.

Mr. Jatta also expressed appreciation to partner institutions for their technical, capacity-building and financial support towards the development of GIFNet’s foundational structures. He noted that such partnerships contribute significantly to strengthening gender-responsive approaches within the security sector.

He urged participants to ensure that the Constitution is aligned with the Ministry’s policy priorities and complements the operational mandate of the Gambia Immigration Department. He stressed that such alignment would ensure that the Network operates within the established legal and administrative framework while contributing meaningfully to the Department’s core functions.

DPS, Technical further highlighted the importance of women’s participation, professional growth and leadership within the institution. He noted that increased participation would ensure the effective integration of female officers into strategic, operational, tactical and technical roles, while professional development would provide opportunities for continuous training and career progression.

He emphasised that greater representation of women at decision-making levels would also allow their perspectives and experiences to contribute to the development of policies and strategies.

The Ministry, he assured, will continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and promoting professionalism across the country’s security agencies.

He recognised the role of networks such as GIFNet in fostering peer support, mentorship and knowledge sharing, noting that these initiatives complement formal training programmes and contribute to a positive working environment.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary,Technical encouraged GIFNet to develop clear and practical programmes that can be incorporated into the Department’s annual work plans and performance management systems.

He expressed confidence that the workshop would produce a practical, sustainable and actionable Constitution, with clear provisions for accountability, periodic review and measurable outcomes.

The workshop, he said, provides a valuable opportunity to refine the draft Constitution to ensure that it responds to the needs of female officers while supporting the broader objectives of the Gambia Immigration Department and the Ministry of Interior.

10/08/2026

Interior Ministry Conducts Unscheduled Visit to Banjul International Airport

The Ministry of Interior has stepped up its operational oversight of security and immigration services at Banjul International Airport following an unscheduled site visit by the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Technical), senior management and members of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Committee.

The visit, conducted recently provided the Ministry’s leadership with an opportunity to directly assess the operations and service delivery of Securiport Gambia LLC, which provides security and immigration-related services at the airport.

The unannounced visit was aimed at giving the Ministry a real-time perspective of operations on the ground, beyond the findings contained in formal M&E reports.

During the visit, the delegation was received by the General Manager of Securiport Gambia LLC and the company’s technical team, who guided the officials through the facility and provided briefings on the systems, processes and services currently in operation.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary Technical ,Mr. Lamin Jatta noted that while the Ministry’s M&E reports provide comprehensive assessments, observing operations first hand offers an important perspective on the actual working environment and quality of service delivery.

At the conclusion of the engagement, Ministry officials expressed satisfaction with the level of service being provided by Securiport Gambia LLC.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership and maintaining effective security and immigration protocols at Banjul International Airport, The Gambia’s primary international gateway.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated its commitment to ensuring that service providers operating within the country’s security and immigration environment maintain high standards of professionalism, efficiency and operational excellence.

04/08/2026

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Modernising Gambia Immigration Department

The Government of The Gambia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening and modernising the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), with emphasis on professional border management, improved service delivery, accountability and respect for human rights.

The assurance was delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior,Amadou Nyang who represented the Minister of Interior, Honourable Abdoulie Sanyang, and read his statement at the passing-out ceremony of newly recruited officers of the Gambia Immigration Department.

In his statement, the Minister congratulated the graduating officers for successfully completing their training, describing their achievement as a demonstration of discipline, commitment and resilience. He urged them to uphold professionalism, integrity and respect for human dignity throughout their careers.

The Minister said the new officers were joining the Department at a defining moment marked by significant reforms, modernisation and institutional transformation.

He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to the Security Sector Reform Programme, noting that the vision is to build a professional, accountable and citizen-centred security sector in which institutions work collaboratively, share information and coordinate operations in the interest of national security and public safety.

According to the Minister, the Gambia Immigration Department is among the institutions undergoing significant transformation, particularly in the areas of legal reform, border governance, migration management and service delivery.

He highlighted the progress towards the enactment of a modern Immigration Act, which he said would provide the Department with the legal foundation required to address contemporary migration and border security challenges.

The Minister commended the National Assembly, particularly the Select Committee on Defence and Security, for its support and commitment in considering and debating the Immigration Bill. He described the cooperation between the Executive and Legislature as essential to advancing reforms in the national interest.

He further disclosed that the reforms would strengthen the Department’s operational capacity through the establishment of a specialised and professionally trained Border Patrol Unit, expanded powers to investigate and prosecute immigration-related offences, and an enhanced mandate to provide consular and diaspora services to Gambians abroad.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of technology, infrastructure and human-resource development in modern border management. He said Government, together with its development partners, would continue investing in digital systems, border infrastructure, equipment and continuous professional development.

He expressed appreciation to regional and international partners, including ECOWAS, the European Union, the United Nations System in The Gambia, the International Organization for Migration, DCAF, the Governments of the United States and United Kingdom, as well as other bilateral and multilateral partners, for their contribution to the country’s security sector reform and immigration modernisation efforts.

The ceremony, he noted, marked the culmination of one of the largest recruitment exercises in the history of the Gambia Immigration Department, describing it as a demonstration of Government’s confidence in the institution and recognition of the critical role immigration officers play in protecting the country’s borders, facilitating legitimate travel and trade, safeguarding national security and supporting national development.

The Minister also commended the leadership of the Gambia Immigration Department for its commitment to reform, professionalism, accountability and improved service delivery.

Addressing the newly graduated officers directly, the Minister reminded them that they represent the image of The Gambia at border posts, airports and other points of entry and departure.

He urged them to treat travellers, traders and returning Gambians with fairness, professionalism and respect, stressing that their conduct directly contributes to the country’s image.

With the December elections approaching, the Minister further urged the new officers to remain politically impartial and loyal to the Constitution, the law and the Gambian people.

He cautioned them against being drawn into partisan politics, saying they may be tested or provoked during the election period but must remain professional, disciplined and impartial in the discharge of their duties.

The Minister called on the officers to uphold integrity, professionalism, patriotism, discipline and respect for human dignity, stressing that the authority of the uniform must always be exercised fairly and in accordance with the law.

He concluded by reaffirming Government’s commitment to building a professional immigration service capable of protecting the country’s borders while facilitating safe, orderly and regular migration.

The Minister congratulated the graduating officers and commended the Gambia Immigration Department’s leadership, training staff, development partners and all those who contributed to the successful recruitment and training exercise.

04/08/2026

GID graduates 599 immigration officers

21/07/2026

The Gambia Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening African Security Cooperation at 19th Africa Security Watch Conference

Honourable Minister of Interior, Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang, has called for stronger regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, and collective action to address Africa’s evolving security challenges as he officially welcomed delegates to the 19th Africa Security Watch Conference and Awards in Banjul.

Minister Sanyang commended the Security Watch Africa Initiative (SWAI) for nearly three decades of championing security awareness and recognising excellence among security professionals across the continent. He noted that security is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration between governments, security institutions, communities, and the private sector.

Highlighting the continent’s current security landscape, the Minister expressed concern over the growing threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism, transnational organised crime, cybercrime, irregular migration, maritime insecurity, climate-induced conflicts, and youth unemployment. He stressed that these interconnected challenges demand coordinated African solutions built on unity, trust, and shared responsibility.

The Interior Minister also showcased The Gambia’s ongoing security sector reforms since the country’s democratic transition in 2017. He cited efforts to modernise legislation, strengthen integrated border management, digitalise security services, enhance community policing, and improve the professionalism and welfare of security personnel. He reaffirmed The Gambia’s continued contribution to African Union and United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Calling for practical outcomes from the conference, Minister Sanyang urged African governments and security institutions to deepen intelligence sharing, strengthen cross-border operations, invest in capacity building, improve cybersecurity, harmonise legal frameworks, and empower communities, particularly women and young people in preventing insecurity and violent extremism.

He further advocated for stronger partnerships with regional and international organisations, including the African Union, ECOWAS, the United Nations, and INTERPOL, while emphasising that African leadership must remain central to addressing the continent’s security challenges.

The Minister underscored that effective security must always be grounded in respect for human rights, the rule of law, and democratic accountability, noting that lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, public trust, and inclusive development.

Concluding his address, Minister Sanyang reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment under the leadership of President Adama Barrow to continue reforming and modernising the country’s security institutions while working closely with regional and international partners to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development across Africa.

The 19th Africa Security Watch Conference and Awards brings together policymakers, security experts, law enforcement agencies, and development partners from across the continent to deliberate on emerging security threats and strengthen collaboration towards building a safer and more secure Africa.

16/07/2026

Ministry of Interior Delegation Pays a Courtesy Visit to the Permanent Secretary Following China Law Enforcement Capacity-Building Seminar

A 25-member delegation from the Ministry of Interior and its satellite institutions paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Amadou Nyang, following the successful completion of a two-week Law Enforcement Capacity Building seminar held at the Criminal Investigation Police University of China .

The delegation comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Interior, The Gambia Police Force, Gambia Immigration Department, Gambia Prison Service, Gambia Fire and Rescue Service, Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), and The Gambia Refugee Commission.

Receiving the delegation, P.S Nyang congratulated the participants on successfully completing the programme and commended their commitment and discipline throughout the training. He also expressed appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its continued support in strengthening the capacity of The Gambia’s security sector.

Mr. Nyang noted that the knowledge and skills acquired during the seminar should be translated into practical actions that will enhance service delivery and professionalism across the country’s law enforcement institutions. He further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building one of the region’s most effective security services in line with The Gambia’s Security Sector Reform agenda.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the team leader provided an overview of the seminar, describing it as a valuable platform that enhanced participants’ understanding of China’s policing system, criminal justice practices, modern security technologies, and international law enforcement cooperation. He added that the programme also contributed to strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between The Gambia and the People’s Republic of China.

The seminar was sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China and hosted by the Criminal Investigation Police University of China (CIPUC).

09/07/2026

The Gambia Calls for Stronger and More Adaptive UN Policing at Chiefs of Police Summit in New York

Honourable Minister of Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang, has called for stronger international cooperation, proactive policing strategies, and increased investment in peacekeeping capacities to address the evolving global security landscape.

The Minister made the remarks during the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit 2026 held in New York, where ministers, police chiefs, and senior United Nations officials gathered to discuss the future of UN policing and peace operations.

In his statement, Minister Sanyang expressed The Gambia’s sincere appreciation to the UN Department of Peace Operations for convening the summit and paid tribute to peacekeepers serving across the world. He also honoured the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of international peace and security.

Highlighting the increasingly complex global security environment, Minister Sanyang noted that growing geopolitical tensions and modern conflicts continue to test the effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping operations. He observed that rapidly evolving threats, coupled with resource constraints and recent UN contingency measures, require a more responsive and resilient approach to peacekeeping.

The Minister emphasized that the future of United Nations Police must remain firmly rooted in its core mandate of protecting civilians through professionalism, partnership, and accountability. He stressed the importance of investing in early warning systems, community policing initiatives, and specialized capabilities to combat sexual and gender-based violence, organized crime, and other emerging security threats.

Minister Sanyang further underscored the need for stronger collaboration between UN Police, host-state police services, regional organizations, and local communities while maintaining the highest standards of training, discipline, and integrity. He noted that building adaptive capacities is essential to ensure peacekeepers are prepared to respond effectively to both post-conflict situations and emerging security risks.

The Interior Minister also reaffirmed the importance of the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women at all levels of policing, describing their inclusion as vital to the legitimacy and effectiveness of UN peace operations.

Concluding his intervention, Minister Sanyang expressed hope that the summit’s deliberations would result in concrete actions to strengthen United Nations peacekeeping and build a future-ready UN Police capable of responding to evolving operational challenges across the globe.

02/07/2026

1st July, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
Ministry of Interior Announces Nationwide Rollout Schedule for the New National Identity Card

Following the successful official launch of the new National Identity Card by His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, the Ministry of Interior is pleased to announce the commencement of the phased nationwide issuance and registration programme.
The rollout will begin with a structured pilot phase, followed by nationwide continuous registration to ensure an orderly, efficient and accessible enrolment process for all eligible applicants.

Pilot Phase
The pilot registration programme will be conducted according to the following schedule:
Gambia Immigration Department Personnel:6 to 10 July 2026
Notaries Public (Justices of the Peace):13 to 17 July 2026
Seyfos and Alkalos:18 to 29 July 2026
Selected institutions and designated authorities responsible for vouching for applicants
20 to 29 July 2026

Nationwide Registration
Mass continuous registration will officially commence on 4 August 2026 across the country.
The first phase will cover the following registration centres:

Banjul, Kanifing Municipality and West Coast Region
* Banjul
* Kanifing
* Bundung
* Abuko
* Brusubi
* Brikama
* Sanyang
* Sibanor

Lower River Region and North Bank Region
* Jarra Soma
* Farafenni
* Kerewan
* Barra

Central River Region and Upper River Region
* Janjanbureh
* Kaur
* Basse
* Fatoto

To ensure wider accessibility, regional mobile registration teams will also operate throughout the country to serve communities beyond the fixed registration centres.

Important Information
Members of the public are advised that possession of the new National Identity Card will be a prerequisite for the issuance of a new Driver’s Licence.
Foreign nationals residing in The Gambia are likewise required to obtain the new Resident, Alien or Non-Gambian Identity Card before applying for or renewing a Driver’s Licence.

The Ministry of Interior encourages all eligible citizens and residents to participate in the registration process according to the published schedule and to follow official Government communication channels for further updates and guidance.
………………………....End of Release………………………………………….

Ministry of Interior, The Gambia.

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