Government Announces Nationwide Rollout of New Biometric ID Cards

Written by: Seringe S.T. Touray

The Gambian government has formally announced the nationwide rollout of new biometric National Identity Cards through the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), led by Director General Ebrima Mboob. The announcement was made on Monday, August 24th, although public registration and issuance had already started on August 4th in Banjul, Kanifing, Bundung, Abuko, Brusubi, Sanyang and Brikama.

First-time applicants aged 18 and above will pay D450 at any Ecobank branch. Gambians with valid, unexpired National ID cards can replace them free of charge during the rollout. Those who previously registered with GID and hold enrolment printouts will also be processed without paying another fee.

Applicants must present a valid Gambian passport, birth certificate, or a valid or expired National ID previously issued by GID. Those without any of these documents must be identified and vouched for by both the Alkalo (village head) and Seyfo (district chief) of their place of residence or origin.

The rollout comes as GID has recorded a significant increase in revenue collection during Mboob’s tenure. The department reported collecting D584.4 million between January and October 2025, a 112% increase from about D275.8 million during the same period in 2024. GID attributed the increase to improved financial management, stronger revenue collection, faster processing of immigration documents and strengthened border controls.

Staff training has also received attention under Mboob. During a visit to the GID Training School in April, he said “recruits must undergo comprehensive basic training” before taking on the responsibilities of immigration officers. GID has also been involved in the country’s new digital identity system, which President Adama Barrow formally launched in June.

The rollout will expand to Sibanor and Jarra Soma on September 7th, followed by Barra, Kerewan, Farafenni and Kaur on September 11th. Registration in Janjanbureh, Basse and Fatoto is scheduled to begin on September 21st.