Ebrima G. Sankareh, the Government Spokesperson and Presidential Diaspora Adviser, announced today that the contract for the production of biometric ID cards and related documents, signed on July 17th, 2018, with Semlex Group SA, has recently expired. Mr Sankareh made the disclosure while discussing the recent halt in the issuance of Gambian identity cards, passports, and driver’s licenses.

Ebrima Sankareh explained why dozens of applicants for identification documents queue every day at various immigration department outlets without receiving their desired document: “The contract for the production of biometric ID cards and related documents, signed with Semlex Group SA on the 17th of July 2018, has recently ended.” Regrettably, negotiations between The Gambia Government and the concessionaire are temporarily stalled, resulting in the concessionaire abruptly ceasing production of these national documents, according to the government spokesman.

Meanwhile, there is no indication of when or how soon National Identification (ID) Cards and Driver Licenses will be issued again. However, the government spokesperson stated that “The Gambia Government understands and recognizes the importance of these services to its citizens, and assures the public that it is actively working to resolve the current situation as soon as possible. As a result, every effort is being made to resume these critical national services as soon as possible, ensuring that citizens in need of these documents regain access as soon as possible.”

For the time being, those looking for these documents must “exercise patience and understanding” while waiting for updates on the resolution of this matter.