By Adama Makasuba
The International Organization for Migration, in partnership with the Gambia Immigration Department, has launched a $420,000 border management expansion project aimed at strengthening migration data collection and border control systems across key entry points in the country.
The 13-month initiative, which runs from 19 February 2026 to 18 March 2027, focuses on expanding the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) and PARCOPHI operations at strategic border posts, including the Barra Ferry Terminal, the Karang border crossing point, and the Amdalai border post.
The project forms part of broader efforts to modernise migration management systems in The Gambia and improve border security, migration monitoring, and data analysis.
Speaking at the launch, Hullay Jallow described the selected locations as critical entry points whose inclusion in the MIDAS platform would improve national border coverage and support a more coordinated migration management system.
He said the initiative aligns with the priorities of the immigration department by enhancing border security, strengthening real-time monitoring of cross-border movements, and promoting safer and more efficient migration management.
Karl Frederick Paul described tourism as a major driver of The Gambia’s economy, noting that the expansion of MIDAS would strengthen border governance and improve authorities’ ability to track visitor trends to support tourism growth and diversification.
Sibgha Ajaz and Lamin Jatta said the project would also extend the migration data system to additional border crossing points, including Kartong, Amdalai, and the Banjul Seaport.
According to officials, the initiative will help improve tourism data collection, strengthen national security, and support digitalised border procedures.
They added that the system would provide more reliable migration statistics to support evidence-based decision-making while improving the efficiency and transparency of border processing for travellers entering and leaving the country.
Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe said the project would improve the monitoring of arrivals through land borders and seaports, enabling the government to make betterinformed decisions aimed at diversifying and growing the tourism sector.
