The Director General of the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), Ebrima Mboob, has defended the controversial overseas issuance of National Identity cards.
Speaking exclusively to Bi Tilo, Mboob highlighted the importance of ensuring that every Gambian is issued a national document.
He said the initiative will help the Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBOS) maintain accurate records of Gambians living abroad, particularly in case of emergencies.
He cited how Western nations ease the burden on their citizens in war zones as a model.
“This is what happened in Mauritania when they amended their immigration laws. It is the responsibility of the Gambian Embassy to maintain records of Gambians living there,” he said.
However, some sections of the Gambian population, including opposition figures, have condemned the overseas issuance of national documents, describing it as a violation of the country’s laws. Some have even threatened legal action against the state.
Mboob disputed these claims, stating that the process “will help GBOS with accurate data on how many Gambians are living abroad.”
Addressing concerns about the issuance of both ID cards and passports overseas, Mboob clarified that the two follow different procedures.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but it is better to approach the authorities on this matter rather than making unverified claims. If you feel, and have evidence, that a foreigner has been issued a national document, kindly report it,” he said.
He explained that passports can be issued to individuals whose citizenship is not yet fully verified to facilitate travel, whereas ID cards are issued only to bona fide Gambians whose citizenship is authenticated and recorded in the system.
“Passports can be issued to ensure easy travel even if citizenship is not fully confirmed. But National Identity Cards are issued only to Gambians whose citizenships are authenticated,” Mboob added.
Commenting on the issuance of documents to Gambians in Gabon, he said the requests were made by the Gambians themselves.
He further noted that his office is expanding the process to other countries, such as Spain, where Gambians reside. Mboob also promised to expand centers across the country to ensure wider access for Gambians.
