By Nelson Manneh
In a recent press conference, Ebrima Mboob, the Director General of the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), highlighted ongoing challenges faced by Gambians in accessing National Identity Cards, particularly for those living in rural regions.
During a nationwide tour, Mboob reported that many rural citizens voiced their frustrations regarding the difficulties encountered in obtaining national documents, especially ID cards. “We have received numerous comments about the issue of ID cards. While obtaining these cards may be viewed as a privilege, for many, it is a fundamental right, and we take that seriously,” he stated. Mboob reassured the public that the government is actively working to address these challenges.
Mboob emphasized that the GID is committed to serving the interests of all citizens, whether they are Gambian or non-Gambian, but clarified that their operations must adhere to existing laws. Complaints have continued to pour in, with many rural Gambians reporting expenses of over one thousand Dalasis just to travel to urban areas like the Kombos to secure their ID cards.
Established in 1965, the Gambia Immigration Service, now referred to as GID, plays a crucial role in regulating the entry, residence, and exit of individuals within the country. The department underwent significant reforms in 2019 to improve its services.
Mboob explained that the transition from manual to biometric ID cards, which meet ECOWAS and global standards, has created barriers for some remote areas lacking necessary infrastructure. He pointed out that many regions, including parts of the Central River region, lack easily accessible commercial banks to handle payments for ID cards, which creates further obstacles for residents seeking these essential documents.
To mitigate these issues, GID has initiated mobile teams that travel to rural areas to enroll citizens for both ID cards and biometric passports, aiming to broaden access to these services. Mboob mentioned that during their tour, they identified potential locations for new ID card issuance centers, specifically around Kaur, Panchang, and Njoben, contingent on resource availability.
In response to inquiries about the increase in passport fees, GID’s Public Relations Officer, Siman Lowe, clarified that adjustments in fees are determined by the Ministry of Interior and are not directly under GID’s control. “Our role is to implement these policies as they are provided to us,” Lowe stated.
As Gambians continue to face challenges in accessing national identity cards, the Gambia Immigration Department remains under pressure to find solutions and enhance service delivery to all citizens, ensuring that their rights are upheld in the process.
