Diaspora and Migration Directorate

πŒπˆππˆπ’π“π‘π˜ πŽπ… π…πŽπ‘π„πˆπ†π π€π…π…π€πˆπ‘π’ ππ‘πŽπ•πˆπƒπ„π’ 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐎𝐍 π‘π„ππŽπ‘π“π„πƒ ππŽπ€π“ πˆππ‚πˆπƒπ„ππ“ πˆππ•πŽπ‹π•πˆππ† πŒπˆπ†π‘π€ππ“π’

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 10th π’πžπ©π­πžπ¦π›πžπ« πŸπŸŽπŸπŸ”: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad expresses its deep sadness following reports of a boat incident involving migrants and extends its sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected. The Ministry conveys its solidarity with all those awaiting information regarding the whereabouts and wellbeing of their relatives. At this stage, the identities and nationalities of the persons reportedly on board have not been officially verified. While preliminary information suggests that the vessel may have departed from The Gambia, the Ministry is engaging with the Spanish authorities and other relevant stakeholders to establish the circumstances of the incident and verify the information currently available. The Ministry is also liaising with the relevant Spanish authorities and, through its National Focal Point under the Rabat Process, maintaining contact with relevant counterparts and partners, including IOM and ICRC, as appropriate, to facilitate information-sharing and contribute to efforts to clarify the situation. The Ministry is mindful of the distress and uncertainty being experienced by families whose relatives may be missing. The Ministry therefore urges the public and all concerned to exercise caution regarding information that has not been officially verified, as inaccurate reports may cause further distress to affected families. Further information will be communicated, as appropriate, once the relevant facts have been established and verified. The Ministry remains concerned about the continued risks associated with dangerous and irregular migration journeys and underscores the importance of continued cooperation among relevant authorities and stakeholders to promote safe and regular migration and protect vulnerable migrants from exploitation. The Ministry extends its deepest sympathies to all families and communities affected by this incident and appreciates the understanding, patience and cooperation of the public as efforts to establish the facts continue. 𝐄𝐍𝐃.

πŒπˆππˆπ’π“π‘π˜ πŽπ… π…πŽπ‘π„πˆπ†π π€π…π…π€πˆπ‘π’ ππ‘πŽπ•πˆπƒπ„π’ 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐎𝐍 π‘π„ππŽπ‘π“π„πƒ ππŽπ€π“ πˆππ‚πˆπƒπ„ππ“ πˆππ•πŽπ‹π•πˆππ† πŒπˆπ†π‘π€ππ“π’ Read More Β»

MoFA Commends Successful Completion of Mobile Biometric Passport Enrollment Exercise in Spain and Italy

BANJUL, 19th May 2026: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad is pleased to announce the successful completion of the mobile biometric passport enrollment exercise conducted for Gambian nationals residing in Spain and Italy. The exercise, implemented in collaboration with the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) under the Ministry of Interior and facilitated through the Embassy of The Gambia in Spain, was conducted from 27th April to 13th May 2026, with an additional three-day extension from 14th to 16th May 2026, bringing the total duration of the exercise to twenty days. The initiative provided an important consular service to Gambians abroad and reflects the Government’s continued commitment to addressing the needs and welfare of Gambian migrants and diaspora communities. The exercise enabled Gambians across designated cities in Spain and Italy to access passport enrollment services without the need to travel to The Gambia, thereby enhancing access to essential documentation and strengthening engagement with citizens abroad. The Ministry is pleased to note that the exercise recorded significant success, with a cumulative total of 1,823 Gambian applicants enrolled during the mission. The additional three-day extension was facilitated to accommodate applicants, particularly in Madrid, who had already completed payment procedures but were unable to access the service during the initial phase of the exercise due to the high demand experienced. The Ministry notes with satisfaction the successful conclusion of the exercise and commends the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the mobile biometric passport team throughout the mission. Despite challenges associated with the high volume of applicants in Madrid, the exercise was successfully completed through the collective efforts and collaboration of stakeholders involved. MoFA further acknowledges the valuable support rendered by the Embassy of The Gambia in Spain, honorary consuls, Gambian associations, and community members whose contributions played an important role in facilitating the successful implementation of the exercise. This initiative forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen diaspora engagement, improve consular service delivery, and ensure that Gambians abroad continue to receive timely and accessible public services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad expresses appreciation to the Ministry of Interior, the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), diplomatic missions, and all stakeholders whose collective efforts contributed to the successful implementation of the exercise. The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to advancing the interests and welfare of Gambians abroad and to strengthening service delivery through continued collaboration with national institutions and international partners.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs receives office equipment from International Organisation for Migration

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad (MOFA) on Friday received office equipment from the International Organisation for Migration (OIM) at the request of the Diaspora Affairs Division of the Ministry. The equipment were received by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sulayman Omar Njie, for onward delivery to the Diaspora Affairs Division. The donated items were: 4 laptops, 4 all in one coloured printers, 4 Wi-Fi routers, 4 executive chairs, 4 file cupboard, 4 file tray, 6 reception area chairs, 1 projector, 1 projector screen, 4 office desk with drawers, 4 uninterrupted power supply (UPS) 650 VA, 4 electrical adapters, 1 office TV, 1 office fridge, 1 paper shredder, 1 portable flat printer with scanner, 4 desktop lights and 10 boxes of white paper. Apparently, the donation is part of support to boost the quality of services at the Diaspora Division. Receiving the items on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Permanent Secretary Sulayman Omar Njie, thanked IOM for the gesture and assured that the equipment would greatly enhance work at the Division, the Ministry and by extension the Government. He said the donation was timely as the Ministry planned to move to its new complex situated at the entrance of Banjul. He further disclosed that considerations are at an advanced stage of recruiting new staff with a view to surging the capacity and value addition of the Diaspora Division.

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