Africa-Press – Gambia. The Minister of Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang, has explained the government’s decision to issue national identity cards to Gambians living abroad, describing it as both a legal obligation and a measure to safeguard citizens’ rights.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session at the National Assembly, Minister Sanyang said the initiative is currently being implemented in Mauritania, Gabon, and Togo. He emphasized that the program is anchored in the Nationality and Citizenship Act, which guarantees every Gambian aged 18 and above the right to a national identity card regardless of residence.
According to the minister, the overseas enrollment program is also designed to prevent statelessness and legal difficulties for Gambians living in foreign countries.
“The Gambian Immigration Department embarked on the enrollment of eligible citizens of The Gambia for the issuance of identification cards in three countries. All Gambian citizens have equal rights; the Gambian Immigration Department has a legal responsibility to serve all Gambian citizens,” Sanyang stated.
He explained that, unlike the continuous enrollment available domestically, the overseas program is temporary and targeted. Plans are underway to extend the service to Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States through mobile enrollment offices, pending the issuance of visas for immigration officers.
Minister Sanyang also highlighted specific reasons for the choice of pilot countries.
“The reason why we went to Mauritania is because the European and the Arab world are putting pressure on Mauritania because it’s a transit point, so they want to get everybody out of the country without documentation; that is why we are there. Togo and Gabon were also requested,” he said.
The minister stressed that the same verification and authentication procedures used in The Gambia apply abroad, noting that applicants must provide proof of Gambian citizenship before being issued an ID card.
“Even if you are a Gambian, if you don’t submit any documents to say you are a Gambian, you cannot be issued an ID card. Everything that is done in the Gambia is also what is done outside,” he said.
He also told lawmakers that some applications have been rejected due to insufficient documentation.
Minister Sanyang further assured lawmakers that earlier delays in domestic ID card issuance, caused by shortages of cards, have now been resolved.
“Currently, the problem of domestic ID card issuance has been largely addressed, and citizens can now apply to acquire an ID card within two weeks,” he said.
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