The new recruits, which forms the 15th batch include 137 males and 116 females.
Addressing the new intake at a passing out ceremony held at the Fajara Barracks in Bakau, Seyaka Sonko, Minister for Interior, commended the Gambia Immigration Department for continuing to display a rich culture of effective service delivery, which he said, has positioned them as a leading example in the execution of law in accordance with international best practices.
Interior Minister implored the newly passed-out recruits to demonstrate professionalism and maintain a high level of competence, saying they must be guided by respect for human rights as their lessons covered the establishments of law services and its regulations, the various laws governing the core of immigration duties and professional ethics.
Seedy M. Touray, Director General of GID expressed gratitude to the Minister for Interior for approving their request to recruit and train the set of trainees, providing the means for their training and sustenance despite the current economic challenges.
Touray noted that his administration’s efforts towards achieving its strategic objectives as enshrined in the GID Strategic Plan 2019-2024 has registered significant achievements in the areas of policy development, capacity building, digitalisation, revenue collection, border control and management, among others.
The Gambia government, he went on, has allocated a land along the Bertil Harding highway for the construction of new GID headquarters, adding that his department together with relevant stakeholders and partners have ensured the rolling out of Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) across 7 strategic entry and exit points in the country.
To the new intakes, Touray urged them to continue to learn and grow, reminding that the field of immigration is constantly evolving with new laws, policies and technologies shaping the landscape.
He thus challenged them to stay the best of the changes, seek out opportunities for professional development, thus enhancing their skills and knowledge.
Omar P. Saidykhan, commander of the GID Training School, said the graduating recruits were trained on foot and arms drill, received lectures on various Immigration subjects such as the Immigration Act, border control procedures, migration management, revenue and statistics, entry requirements, National Identity Card and Passport issuing, among others.
“What lies within the immigration officers are qualities of character to which few ever aspire and this is what will lead you to realise amazing deeds.”
