MPs approve treaty to end costly document authentication process

“The principal objective is to simplify the authentication of public documents intended for use abroad by replacing the traditional and often cumbersome process of diplomatic or consular legalisation with a single certificate known as the apostille,” the minister told lawmakers.

At present, Gambian documents intended for use overseas often require several layers of authentication, including certification by national authorities and legalisation by foreign embassies or consulates. The same applies to foreign documents intended for use in The Gambia.

According to the minister, the process is often costly, time-consuming and burdensome for citizens and businesses.

He cited the example of Gambian students seeking admission to foreign universities, noting that they are frequently required to authenticate academic certificates through multiple authorities, including embassies located outside The Gambia.

“This can incur additional travel expenses and delay,” he said.

Businesses also face similar hurdles when establishing commercial relationships abroad, as corporate documents often have to pass through several diplomatic channels before they are accepted by foreign authorities.

Njie, said ratifying the convention will facilitate international mobility by making it easier for Gambians to use official documents abroad for education, employment, marriage, migration and business purposes.

He further argued that the treaty would improve the ease of doing business by reducing administrative barriers linked to trade, investment and commercial transactions.

“It will contribute to creating a more attractive environment for foreign investors and international partners,” he said.

The minister noted that more than 120 countries, including Senegal and other major economic partners, are already parties to the convention.

He assured lawmakers that the convention does not alter the legal validity of documents or affect the substantive rights of individuals.

“It merely simplifies the process through which public documents are authenticated for international use,” he explained.

Following debate, members of the National Assembly ratified the convention, paving the way for its implementation in The Gambia.