By Biran Gaye
In a troubling report from the Gambian diaspora, 25 citizens were deported from various European Union countries on July 8, with a significant number of them arriving from Germany.
Migration activist Yahya Sonko confirmed the details, having received direct information from the wife of one of the deportees.
The deportations come amidst tightening immigration policies across the EU, which have sparked debates about the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers.
In May 2025, the European Union ambassador to The Gambia, Immaculada Roca Cortés, confirmed, in an interview with Standard Newspaper, that over 10,000 Gambians are facing deportation from EU countries but denied reports of mass deportations. She clarified that returns are happening gradually, with actual deportations numbering in the hundreds.
Sonko stated that the deportation flight landed in The Gambia on July 9, marking a moment of distress for families and communities affected by the return of their loved ones. The deportees were reportedly living in Germany, seeking opportunities for a better life, only to find themselves facing forced repatriation back to their home country.
Among the deportees, many claimed to have lived in Germany for several years.
“This is a harsh reality for Gambians who ventured abroad in hopes of escaping economic hardships,” Sonko said in an interview. “These individuals are often fleeing dire situations, and the circumstances of their return are incredibly difficult for them and their families.”
In the lead up to this deportation, the German federal ministry for migration, when contacted by Foroyaa, neither confirmed the deportation nor dismissed it. Asked whether the deportees had exhausted all the processes to legitimise their stay, it said it could not comment on individual cases.
Humanitarian organizations were reportedly there to provide immediate support to the deportees. These dejected deportees need reintegration, mental health support, and job placement to help them readjust to life in The Gambia.
The recent deportations highlight ongoing issues surrounding migration and asylum policies in Europe, raising concerns about the impact on individuals and families seeking refuge.
As discussions continue around immigration strategies and support for returnees, many Gambians hope for a more compassionate approach that recognizes the challenges faced by migrants in their pursuit of a better life.
