By Fatou Dahaba
Gambian Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang announced plans to establish passport enrollment offices in Spain, Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom to issue passports and national identity cards to Gambian citizens abroad. The initiative, revealed during a National Assembly session, includes a two-year visa arrangement for immigration officers to facilitate the process, with officers rotating in and out of these countries.
The announcement came in response to questions from parliament members during an oral answer session, addressing why the government prioritized ID card issuance in Mauritania, Gabon, and Togo over countries with larger Gambian populations like Spain, Italy, and the U.S. Minister Sanyang explained that African countries were prioritized due to urgent needs, particularly in Mauritania, a key transit point for migrants.
“Mauritania faces pressure from Europe and the Arab world to deport undocumented immigrants. Without proper documentation, it’s unclear which country they belong to,” Sanyang said, justifying the initial focus.
Hon. Assan Touray, the member for Bakau, pressed the minister on the criteria for selecting Mauritania, Gabon, and Togo. Sanyang clarified that many Gambians in Mauritania lack national documents, creating a pressing need to address statelessness and legal challenges. He emphasized the transparency of the process, noting that applicants must submit verified documents to prove citizenship. “Even if you’re Gambian, without documentation, you cannot be issued an ID card. The procedure abroad mirrors what we do here,” he stated.
Sanyang underscored that all Gambian citizens, regardless of location, have equal rights to national documents under Section 17, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Nationality and Citizenship Act. This guarantees citizens aged 18 and above the right to apply for identity cards, which are vital for consular services, legal identification, and international travel. “Gambians abroad face legal and administrative challenges without valid IDs. Enrolling them helps prevent statelessness and ensures access to services,” he told lawmakers.
Addressing concerns about delays in domestic ID card issuance compared to overseas efforts, Sanyang noted that enrollment abroad is temporary and targeted, while domestic operations are continuous. He assured the Assembly that domestic issuance has improved significantly, with citizens now able to obtain ID cards within two weeks.
The minister has announced growing efforts to support Gambia’s diaspora, particularly in Europe and America, where many citizens face challenges due to a lack of valid documentation. The planned enrollment offices aim to streamline access to passports and IDs, ensuring Gambians abroad can navigate legal systems and access consular services without complications.
Sanyang expressed the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of Gambian citizens globally while tackling domestic administrative challenges. The initiative is expected to roll out over the next two years, with further details on the enrollment process to be announced as plans are finalized.
