Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A Gambian migrant is being held in an immigration detention centre in Turkey after losing his legal residency status following recent changes to the country’s immigration policies, highlighting the growing challenges faced by undocumented migrants in the country.
The migrant, who requested anonymity and identified himself only as “Lamin,” said he entered Turkey legally several years ago and initially held a valid residence permit. However, he became undocumented after his permit expired and his application for renewal was rejected.
“I was legal when I arrived,” Lamin said. “When my permit expired, they said renewals were no longer possible.”
Lamin explained that he was arrested in Istanbul in 2025 during a routine identity check and subsequently transferred to a removal centre, where he has now been held for several months. He alleged that detainees receive limited information about their legal status and have restricted access to legal representation while in detention.
According to Lamin, communication with the Gambian embassy in Ankara has also been inconsistent. “I called many times, but sometimes no one answered,” he said, adding that he had only seen embassy officials once since his detention.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad has maintained that Gambian diplomatic missions in Turkey conduct identification visits, provide consular assistance, and engage Turkish authorities on behalf of detained nationals.
Officials estimate that approximately 100 Gambians are currently being held in various immigration detention centres across Turkey.
Lamin further claimed that detainees are frequently pressured to choose between remaining in detention for an indefinite period or consenting to voluntary return to The Gambia. “They tell you to sign papers and go home or stay and wait,” he said.
He also alleged that some detainees are asked to cover the cost of their return flights, even in cases where they do not possess valid passports.
Turkey has significantly tightened immigration enforcement since 2023, resulting in the detention and deportation of large numbers of undocumented migrants from various countries, including The Gambia.
Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sering Modou Njie, has said the government is engaging with Turkish authorities to address the situation and to explore ways of providing support to affected Gambian migrants.
