The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has announced the completion of biometric passport production for Gambians enrolled in Spain, while flagging a number of applications for suspected inconsistencies.
According to the Department, a total of 1,308 passports were finalized and handed over on May 21 to the Gambian Embassy in Spain for onward distribution to applicants. The passports form part of 1,823 applications collected during a biometric enrollment exercise conducted in Spain and Italy.
While the bulk of applications have been processed, 126 files from Spain remain pending after verification checks revealed discrepancies in applicants’ biodata. Officials reported variations in names, dates of birth, and other personal details, raising concerns about potential document fraud.
Meanwhile, 389 applications enrolled in Milan, Italy, are still undergoing production, representing the remaining balance of the exercise.
The GID has urged affected applicants in Spain to contact Immigration Officer AICO Moses Mendy at the Biometric Passport Office (+220 930 2188) to resolve the flagged issues in line with documentation requirements.
In a statement, the Department reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the authenticity and reliability of Gambian passports. “As document fraud continues to evolve globally, the Department will continue to strengthen its verification mechanisms to ensure compliance with national legislation and international standards,” said Inspector Siman Lowe, Public Relations Officer of the GID.
Officials emphasized that consistency and accuracy in personal details are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the country’s legal identity system. The Department pledged to continue facilitating access to legal identity for eligible Gambians abroad while upholding strict regulations.
