April 2026

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Government of The Gambia refers to its earlier press release dated 3rd February 2026, informing Gambian nationals in Spain about the Spanish Government’s amnesty programme. As reiterated, the Government stands ready to provide necessary support for eligible Gambians to regularize their stay in Spain. In recognition of the difficulties faced by people in authenticating certificates of character in Dakar, Senegal, the Government has streamlined the process: Gambians in Spain can now submit their certificates to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad in Banjul for authentication and onward transmission to the Gambia High Commission and the Spanish Consulate General in Dakar, Senegal. The contact persons for the submission and authentication at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad are: Mr. Abubacarr Ceesay, Counsellor (3745488 / 7282250 / Whatsapp 9745488) Ms. Jainaba Secka, Protocol Officer (987 2713 / 7231695). The 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 for submission is 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔. Submission prior to the deadline is encouraged to ensure timely processing. The Government urges all Gambians in Spain to take advantage of this opportunity. 𝐄𝐍𝐃.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: On the margins of the Ministerial Meeting of Global Compact for Migration (GCM) Champion Countries in Cairo, the Honourable Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, held a bilateral meeting with the Director General of the International Organization for Migration, Ms. Amy E. Pope. During the meeting, Director General Pope commended The Gambia for its outstanding leadership and commitment as a GCM Champion Country, recognizing the nation’s progress in advancing global standards of migration governance and management. She reaffirmed IOM’s continued dedication to supporting The Gambia in areas including voluntary return and reintegration, migration policy development, diaspora engagement, and border management, emphasizing the value of their long-standing partnership. The Honourable Minister expressed sincere appreciation for IOM’s technical, operational, and financial support, noting the critical role the organization plays in advancing The Gambia’s migration priorities. He also acknowledged the exceptional work of the IOM Country Office in The Gambia, under the leadership of Sibgha Ajaz, whose guidance has strengthened programme implementation and collaboration across government and civil society stakeholders. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and enhancing joint initiatives to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration, while maximizing its socio-economic benefits for The Gambia. This engagement further underscores The Gambia’s continued leadership as a GCM Champion Country and its dedication to effective, humane, and evidence-based migration governance at the regional and global levels.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Government of the Republic of The Gambia participated in the Ministerial Meeting of Global Compact for Migration (GCM) Champion Countries convened in Cairo on 1st April 2026. The Gambian delegation was led by the Honourable Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad. He was accompanied by Mrs. Ndumbeh Saho, Director of the Diaspora and Migration Directorate, and H.E. Hatem Raslan, Honorary Consul of The Gambia in Egypt. The meeting brought together GCM Champion Countries to advance the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and to further strengthen international cooperation on migration governance. Discussions focused on key priorities, including the protection of migrants and the preservation of life, the promotion of safe, orderly and regular migration pathways, and the facilitation of safe, voluntary and dignified return, as well as sustainable reintegration. During the deliberations, The Gambia highlighted its national progress in migration governance, including ongoing policy and institutional reforms, the adoption of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, the strengthening of national coordination mechanisms, and the ongoing revision of the Diaspora Strategy. The Government also underscored efforts toward the development of a GCM National Implementation Plan aligned with national development priorities under the National Development Plan (NDP), as well as its strong collaboration with international partners. The delegation reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of migrants and to contributing constructively to global dialogue and cooperation on migration. On the margins of the meeting, the Honourable Minister held bilateral engagements with counterparts aimed at further strengthening partnerships and cooperation in migration management and development. The participation of The Gambia in this high-level meeting underscores its continued leadership as a GCM Champion Country and its dedication to advancing effective, humane and cooperative migration governance at both regional and global levels.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad wishes to inform and advise all Gambian nationals currently residing in the Middle East to take proactive steps to evaluate their personal safety and consider voluntary departure from the region where necessary, as a result of the current security situation. While the Government of The Gambia continues to monitor the situation closely, Gambians in affected areas are strongly urged to remain vigilant, adhere to local authority guidance, and avoid circumstances that may expose them to risk. Those in vulnerable or uncertain conditions are particularly encouraged to make timely arrangements to relocate to safer environments to avoid being caught in unforeseen developments. In a similar vein, the Ministry reiterates its longstanding advisory to all Gambians living abroad to register with the nearest Gambian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate within their country of residence. Registration enables the Government to: ▪️Maintain accurate records of Gambian nationals abroad; ▪️Provide timely assistance in emergencies or crises; ▪️Share important updates, advisories, and support services; ▪️Strengthen engagement with the diaspora community. Gambians who have not yet registered are strongly encouraged to do so at the earliest opportunity. This can be done by contacting the nearest Gambian mission or through official communication channels provided by the Ministry. The Ministry remains committed to the safety, welfare, and protection of all Gambians abroad and stands ready to provide assistance where required. For further information, please contact: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Banjul, The Gambia – +220 3567484/ +220 7661922