By Fatou Bojang
The Gambia Immigration Department has announced significant advancements in border security and migration management for 2024, initiating key operations that resulted in the interception of 677 irregular migrants, the conviction of 62 individuals for immigration violations, and the collection of over D95 million in revenue from residence and work permit fees.
This information was presented during a recent press conference by the Immigration Department, where the Commissioner of Operations for Border Security and Migration Management provided an overview of the department’s accomplishments and ongoing challenges.
Among the key achievements highlighted was the launch of Operation Hold the Line and Clean the Nation from Prohibited Immigrants, which strengthened entry regulations and intensified border patrols. Data indicates that 50% of the intercepted migrants were non-Gambians who were subsequently repatriated. The operation also led to the identification and conviction of eight individuals involved in migrant smuggling.
The rigorous enforcement of immigration laws resulted in the denial of entry for 1,627 individuals lacking valid documentation, while 350 prohibited immigrants were repatriated. The department’s nationwide operations reported over 16,473 non-Gambians, which resulted in substantial revenue from immigration fees.
Under the leadership of the Director General of Immigration, the Gambia Immigration Department has implemented an operational work plan aligned with its 2019-2024 Strategic Plan, focusing on securing borders, regulating immigration, and addressing transnational crimes.
Despite these accomplishments, the commissioner acknowledged persistent challenges, noting, “We faced some hurdles, including human trafficking and smuggling networks.” This highlights the necessity for enhanced intelligence sharing and regional collaboration.
Limited resources have also affected operational effectiveness, underscoring the need for increased funding for training and technology. Moreover, raising public awareness about migration laws is essential to combat irregular migration.
Looking ahead, the Gambia Immigration Department has proposed several recommendations to strengthen border security and migration management. These include improving regional cooperation with neighboring countries to tackle cross-border crimes, advocating for increased resource allocation to enhance operational capacity, and initiating community awareness programs to educate the public about the risks associated with irregular migration.
In conclusion, the Gambia Immigration Department has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national borders and managing migration effectively, emphasizing the importance of sustained support to build upon the successes achieved in 2024.
