A young person walked to the Foroyaa office to say that he was asked to provide an alien card and did not know why since he was both a Gambian and a child under 18. He said that when he enquired why he was asked to produce an alien card, he was told that it was because of his appearance.

Responding to the complaints in an interview at his office, Officer Cadet Saidou A. M. Bah, the Immigration Pubic Relation Officer (PRO), said the Gambia Immigration Department has set up a new unit since last year called the "Professional Standard Unit" and which was created purposely to build the capacity of its personnel in their operations. PRO Bah said the Immigration personnel are always demanded to be vigilant in their operations and to address issues in a professional manner based on their code of conduct.

Officer Cadet Bah said the first thing an Immigration officer should do is to ask for the document of any person if they have doubts about the person's nationality; adding that in the event where the documents produced are not convincing then the personnel has every right to go with the person for a thorough scrutiny. He said those below eighteen years of age which is also below the constitutional limit to possess a national identity card, should have a birth certificate or a student's identity card not for the purpose of the Immigration, but for theirpersonal safety in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

He, however, called on all citizens and non citizens alike residing in the country to help the Immigration in their work as nation building is and should be every one's concern. He concluded that in the event where any immigration officer is suspected of engaging in misconduct while executing his or her duties, the person can lodge the necessary complaint to them and he further promised thatit will be handled properly. He said the official line to be called is 9038017.