Interior Minister Makes Case For Migrant Trust Fund

By: Fatou Krubally

Minister for Interior Abdoulie Sanyang has made a case for the proposed Smuggling of Migrants Trust Fund, saying it will help the Immigration Department cater for migrants rescued or accommodated by authorities and reduce reliance on donors for their upkeep.

Speaking during Tuesday’s continuation of the consideration stage of the Gambia Immigration Bill  2026, at the National Assembly, Mr Sanyang said the fund was important because authorities had faced difficulties providing for migrants when government resources were insufficient.

He referred to a previous incident in which a boat capsized, saying that keeping the migrants for a week had become difficult because authorities were relying heavily on donors and other external support.

The minister said the proposed fund would help address such challenges and provide resources to cater for migrants during difficult periods.

He also explained that the fund was intended to support the operational needs of the Immigration Department, including the provision of equipment, logistics and fuel.

The fund is being considered under Clause 27 of the Gambia Immigration Bill, 2026, which sets out its establishment and sources of funding.

The clause remained under consideration during the proceedings, with lawmakers also debating a separate provision on compensation for immigration officers who die in active service.