The Gambia Immigration Department has set its revenue target for 2025 at two hundred million dalasis or more, according to the commissioner of finance Karalang Jarju.
The GID finance commissioner disclosed that the GID is aiming to come up with a number of strategic initiatives to that effect.
Commissioner Jarju was speaking at a press conference organised by his office in Banjul on Friday.
“The GID has demonstrated remarkable progress in revenue performance, exceeding targets through enhanced efficiency and policy enforcement. While challenges remain, we are committed to overcoming them and ensuring a more effective and modern immigration system in 202,” Mr Jarju said.
He commended President Adama Barrow, the Minister of Interior, the Ministry of Finance, partner security services and stakeholders for their continued support.
Among the strategic initiatives devised for the achievement of this year’s revenue goal are modernisation of revenue collection systems (digitalisation of immigration services to enhance efficiency and transparency), expansion of immigration service centers (establishing new stations in Sanyang, Sankandi, Kaur, Panchang, and Njoben to improve accessibility), and enhanced border control and intelligence ( upgrading border patrol infrastructure and strengthening enforcement against irregular migration).
Part of the initiatives are capacity building and recruitment, which is conducting a major recruitment drive for additional personnel to support operational effectiveness,” Mr Jarju said, adding that increased budget advocacy, which engaging the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs for improved funding allocations, is also included.
